The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legislators’ Forum has taken a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his move to secure Senate approval for a $516,333,070 external loan for the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, describing it as reckless and dangerous for Nigeria’s future.
In a statement dated April 23, 2026, and signed by Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje, Hon. Sergius Ogun, Hon. Ajagbe H, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Koko Shehu, and Hon. Maigari Bello, the lawmakers said the request is “not only alarming but emblematic of an administration that has made reckless borrowing its default economic policy, with little regard for sustainability, accountability, or the wellbeing of future generations.”
While acknowledging the need for infrastructure development, the forum questioned the rationale behind the loan, asking, “at what cost, and under what conditions?” It added that the government has failed to show that its borrowing strategy is backed by “a coherent, transparent, and economically viable repayment strategy.”
The lawmakers warned that Nigeria’s rising debt profile is already taking a toll, noting that debt servicing is consuming a significant portion of national revenue. They cautioned that continued borrowing could push the country into “a looming debt catastrophe,” stressing that “each new loan tightens the noose around the nation’s economic sovereignty, leaving future generations to pay for today’s lack of foresight.”
They also expressed concern over the timing of the request as the country approaches another general election cycle, saying Nigerians are justified in questioning whether the move is truly for development or “another attempt to create avenues for political patronage and electoral advantage.”
The ADC forum urged the National Assembly to thoroughly scrutinise the request, warning against acting as a rubber stamp. “The Senate… must rise to its constitutional responsibility by demanding full disclosure of the project’s financial details, procurement processes, cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment plan. Anything short of this would amount to a betrayal of public trust,” the statement read.
Calling for a shift in policy direction, the lawmakers said the administration should prioritise reforms that promote productivity, industrial growth, job creation, and improved revenue generation, insisting that “borrowing should never be a substitute for leadership, creativity, and accountability.”
They further warned of consequences for policies that could harm the nation’s future, stating, “Those who make decisions today that endanger the economic future of millions of Nigerians must understand that a day of reckoning will inevitably come.”
The forum concluded that Nigeria faces a defining moment, urging a choice between “responsibility, discipline, and sustainable growth” and “this perilous road of debt dependency and economic vulnerability,” adding that Nigerians are watching and “history will not be kind to those who fail this nation.”
