Tinubu’s borrowing is funding visible infrastructure, says Onanuga

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday defended the Tinubu administration’s borrowing programme, saying ongoing infrastructure projects across the country demonstrate that loan proceeds are being invested in critical development rather than wasted.

Speaking during the Presidential Media Tour of Projects in Benue State, Onanuga said roads, bridges and other strategic infrastructure under construction across the state were evidence that the Federal Government was deploying borrowed funds to stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity and support agricultural productivity.

The media tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team, inspected several federal and state projects, including the Buruku Bridge across the Katsina-Ala River, the Abuja-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi-9th Mile highway, the Wurukum Flyover and the High Level Underpass in Makurdi.

Responding to criticism of the administration’s borrowing policy, Onanuga said Nigerians could see firsthand how the funds were being utilised.

“As Nigerians, we see that the government has been accused of borrowing money. But we can also see where the money is going; to develop infrastructure, link people who had been forgotten, ensure commerce flows freely and enable farmers to move their produce straight to the markets,” he said.

He described the Buruku Bridge as one of five bridges being constructed by the Federal Government in Benue State, saying it would improve transportation between Benue, Taraba and Adamawa states while opening up new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses.

Onanuga expressed satisfaction with the pace of work after project officials informed the delegation that funding was secure through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund.

The Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Engr. Mukaila Danlandi, said the 854-metre dual carriage bridge, which commenced in 2023, is scheduled for completion in December 2027.