Senate approves Tinubu’s $6bn loan request

The Senate on Tuesday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure external loans totalling $6bn to finance key infrastructure projects and support budget implementation.

The approval followed the consideration of a report presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Aliyu Wamakko, shortly after the President’s request was read on the floor by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The loan request was transmitted to the upper chamber in two separate letters. In the first, the President sought approval to obtain up to $5bn through a structured financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank to address funding gaps in the 2026 budget, meet existing financial obligations, and support priority projects.

In the second request, Tinubu asked the Senate to approve a $1bn loan facility backed by UK Export Finance and arranged by Citibank, London, for the rehabilitation of the Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port.

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According to the President, the port rehabilitation projects are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety standards, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.

Presenting the committee’s report, Wamakko said the proposed loans were in line with existing laws and necessary to fund critical infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

The Senate subsequently approved the requests after deliberations, signalling legislative backing for the Federal Government’s plan to bridge fiscal deficits through external borrowing.

The approval underscores the government’s continued reliance on foreign loans to support development projects amid mounting fiscal pressures.

Senate approves Tinubu’s $6bn loan request

Plateau Palm Sunday Massacre: US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria

The United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has issued a strong warning to Nigerian authorities following a deadly Palm Sunday attack in Jos, Plateau State, describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on Christians during religious observances. Moore, reacting via his X handle, stated that at least 10 Christians were killed in Jos, adding: “Radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians before hacking them to pieces with machetes. This is sickening and unacceptable, but it’s not surprising.”

He warned that such incidents are increasingly recurrent. “This tragedy follows a pattern of radical Islamic terrorists massacring Christians on Holy Days. In fact, terrorists have attacked Christians in Nigeria on every single holy day in recent memory,” he said. The lawmaker urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action, saying, “Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter. If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilise to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”

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The violence took place on March 29, 2026, in Gari Ya Waye, Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area, when suspected gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on residents. Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic, with families fleeing as the assailants moved through crowded streets, targeting civilians, traders, and passersby. State authorities confirmed that 27 people were killed and many others injured in the attack. Following the tragedy, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 48-hour curfew in affected areas and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

The attack prompted widespread outrage, with residents defying the curfew to protest and demand improved security. Civic groups and community leaders condemned the killings, calling for urgent action to protect civilians. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) decried the attacks, demanding accountability and highlighting the repeated targeting of Christian communities during religious holidays.

Moore’s warning underscores the international attention on security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where violence from armed groups and communal conflicts remains a persistent threat. Analysts say attacks like the Palm Sunday killings risk eroding confidence in Nigeria’s ability to protect its citizens and could strain diplomatic relations with key allies such as the United States.

Plateau Palm Sunday Massacre: US Lawmaker Warns Nigeria

UK, US, France Among 10 Nations Granting Agrément to Nigerian Ambassadors

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it has secured agrément (formal approval) from 10 countries for Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors‑designate, marking a significant step in the country’s diplomatic engagements. The ministry confirmed the development in a statement released by its spokesperson, Kimibie Ebienfa, noting that approvals from additional nations are still being awaited.

The 10 countries that have granted consent so far include the United Kingdom, France, United States of America, Ireland, Qatar, Republic of Benin, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. According to the ministry, these approvals clear the way for the ambassadors‑designate to begin official duties once they are inducted.

Ebienfa said that details of the formal induction ceremony would be announced once final confirmations are received from the presidency. She explained that the process of receiving agrément is ongoing, and the Ministry is actively following up with other host countries.

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“We have received agreements from the United Kingdom, France, United States of America, Ireland, Qatar, Benin Republic, Ethiopia/Djibouti, Senegal, Sierra Leone, among others,” the statement read.

Receiving agrément is a critical step in international diplomacy, ensuring that host countries formally accept ambassadorial nominees before they present their credentials. It signifies official recognition and allows envoys to begin their diplomatic duties.

This announcement comes after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the posting of 65 ambassadors‑designate and high commissioners to key global missions, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, trade partnerships, and citizen services abroad. Some high-profile postings among the approved nations include the United Kingdom, United States, and France, which are strategic for Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests.

With the approvals in place, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now preparing to induct the ambassadors-designate, ensuring that Nigeria’s missions abroad are fully staffed and able to advance foreign policy priorities, support Nigerian citizens, and bolster international cooperation.

UK, US, France Among 10 Nations Granting Agrément to Nigerian Ambassadors