Economy
Hon. Benjamin Kalu Reveals How Nigeria Achieves Major Debt Reduction Under Tinubu Administration

Hon. Benjamin Kalu Reveals How Nigeria Achieves Major Debt Reduction Under Tinubu Administration
Hon. Benjamin Kalu Reveals How Nigeria achieves major debt reduction under Tinubu administration. Nigeria has made significant strides in reducing its debt servicing burden, bringing it down from 96% of its 2023 revenue to 67% under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This milestone, according to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is creating fiscal space for critical investments in health, education, and infrastructure, aligning with the country’s sustainable development agenda.
Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2025 Parliamentary Hearing in New York, Kalu highlighted Nigeria’s approach to managing its debt crisis while ensuring progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Parliamentary Oversight and Debt Management Reforms
During a session on “The Debt Crisis and the SDGs: Proposals for Sustainable Solutions,” Kalu noted that Nigeria’s legislative body has strengthened oversight to address the country’s fiscal challenges. He emphasized that biased credit rating methodologies by global agencies such as S&P and Moody’s inflate Nigeria’s borrowing costs, leading to an estimated $1.5 billion in excess interest payments annually.
To counter these challenges, he stated that the National Assembly is reviewing the Fiscal Responsibility Act to enforce debt ceilings and enhance transparency.
Additionally, the House of Representatives is working on leveraging philanthropy and impact investing for SDG-aligned debt management strategies.
“We are committed to ensuring our debt management practices remain transparent, accountable, and aligned with our development goals,” Kalu said.
Global Cooperation and Calls for Debt Relief
Kalu also underscored Nigeria’s push for international cooperation to tackle debt-related challenges. The country is advocating for SDG-linked debt relief and lobbying the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for SDG Conditional Debt Clauses, which would allow for payment pauses during crises.
Further, he called on OECD nations to criminalize exploitative litigation by vulture funds against low-income countries. Nigeria is also working with the African Union to establish an African Credit Rating Agency (ACRA) to provide fairer credit assessments for the continent.
“The IPU in 2025 must amplify these strategies to avert a lost decade for the SDGs,” Kalu stated.
Trade Reforms and Economic Diversification
Addressing Nigeria’s trade challenges, Kalu identified barriers to export diversification, including tariff and non-tariff constraints that stifle non-oil sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. He noted that despite Nigeria’s ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), bureaucratic and infrastructural issues limit the country’s global competitiveness.
In response, the House of Representatives has prioritized legislative measures to diversify exports, streamline business registration, and maximize AfCFTA benefits. The 2023 Finance Act has also introduced tax incentives for agro-processing and renewable energy exports, aligning trade policies with the SDGs.
Additionally, Kalu revealed that Nigeria is collaborating with META and AfriLabs to craft legislation that exempts local tech platforms from digital service taxes, encouraging more digital trade while maintaining domestic revenue generation.
Tax Reforms to Boost Domestic Revenue
Kalu also highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to tax reforms, emphasizing that robust tax systems are vital for funding public investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He pointed to the recent passage of four key tax reform bills in the House of Representatives, which aim to modernize tax administration, consolidate revenue agencies, and improve compliance through advanced technology.
“Nigeria’s proactive approach to tax reform—through centralized tax collection, VAT modifications, and international cooperation—positions the country to better mobilize domestic resources in support of the SDGs,” Kalu said.
He stressed that while the reforms offer significant opportunities for fiscal sustainability, their success depends on rigorous oversight, transparent governance, and a balanced approach that ensures economic equity.

Deputy Speaker
Nigeria’s Commitment to Sustainable Development
Through strengthened parliamentary oversight, financial sector reforms, and international advocacy, Kalu reiterated that Nigeria is determined to turn its debt burden into an opportunity for sustainable growth.
“We believe global cooperation and collective action are necessary to achieve our development goals and address the debt crisis,” he concluded.
The Nigerian government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, trade expansion, and tax modernization signals a strategic approach to long-term economic stability, with potential lessons for other nations facing similar challenges.
Economy
Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe

Government Approves N1.149bn For Solar Street Lights, Infrastructure In Gombe
Government approves N1.149bn for solar street lights, infrastructure in Gombe. He said the governor approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.
The Gombe government has approved N1.149 billion for the installation of solar street lights and other infrastructure in three local government areas of the state.
Mahmood Yusuf, director-general, Joint Project Development Agency, stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Gombe.
He said the Joint Project Council (JPC) meeting chaired by Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, approved the projects to align with his vision for infrastructure development.
Mr Yusuf listed the projects to include the installation of solar street lights on newly constructed roads in Kumo at the total cost of N740 million; fencing of the NALDA market and installation of solar street lights at Kwadon area of Yamaltu/Deba, costing N362 million.
He said that N47 million has been approved for the expansion of the grains market and construction of six public toilets in Billiri.
Mr Yusuf said that the N112 million grain market project was approved in 2024, but reviewed upward to N159 million, to provide six additional toilets.
The director said the council also approved the deployment of GOSTEC and Operation Hatara personnel, to scale surveillance in schools and cemeteries in the state.
He said the measure was sequel to complaints over spate of theft in public buildings by the ALGON Chairman, Sani Haruna.
“The council has resolved to implement stricter security measures by deploying GOSTEC and Operation Hattara to enhance surveillance. The scope of Operation Hattara would be expanded to cover all the 11 LGAs,” he said.

Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya
Also, Fatima-Binta Bello, chairperson, Shongom Local Government Council, expressed readiness to consolidate on Mr Yahaya’s achievements in education and health sectors.
She stressed the need to strengthen human resources through recruitment of qualified personnel to address manpower gaps and enhance quality service delivery, especially at primary healthcare and basic education level.
Similarly; Ahmad Wali, chairman, Kwami LGC, said the council had initiated resurvey and remapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes to check farmer/herder clashes.
He warned that anyone found encroaching cattle routes and grazing lands would be sanctioned.
Akwa Ibom
Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas

Umo Eno Is Committed To Blue Economy, Maritime Development: Oil , Gas
Umo Eno is committed to blue economy, maritime development: Oil , Gas . Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals have been assured of the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials of the blue economy and the extensive maritime development.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, reiterated the commitment of the state government to harnessing the potentials when he hosted members of the Akwa Ibom Oil and Gas Professionals to a courtesy call in his office on Thursday, March 13.
He said the recent commissioning of the Surge Protections project and development of Surge lines in Oron, was a demonstration of Governor Umo Eno’s dedication to maritime development, emphasising that the action would bring greater focus on maritime transport and recreation in the area.
Highlighting the significance of the Ibom Deep Seaport, which he described as a foundation for future development, Comrade Ememobong acknowledged the importance of a collaboration between the Ministry and the maritime oil and gas professionals and assured them of his readiness to work together with them, in order to drive growth and development in the maritime sector so as to achieve the long-term objectives of the state in the maritime sector.
The Commissioner stated that the industrial city envisioned by the Governor aims to build indigenous capacity and ensure local participation in its development, saying, “This is where the local content law comes into play, requiring that a certain percentage of the project’s workforce, services, and materials be sourced locally.”
“To activate this law, however, there needs to be available capacity among local individuals and businesses.
This is why His Excellency has prioritised capacity procurement, which ensures that the necessary skills and resources are in place before project execution begins. By doing so, the government can guarantee that local communities are well-prepared to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the industrial city’s development,” he emphasised.
Comrade Ememobong seized the occasion to commend the technical committee, led by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, in driving the Ibom Deep Seaport project forward, saying the committee is ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to turn the vision of the Ibom Deep Seaport into a reality.
Earlier, while addressing the Commissioner, the leader of the delegation and Secretary General Port State Control for the West and Central African Region, Captain Sunday Umoren, expressed his team’s enthusiasm in supporting the development of Akwa Ibom State’s maritime sector.
As indigenes of the state, with expertise in various sectors of the maritime cluster, they seek to give back by investing in human capacity building, in view of the upcoming Ibom Deep Seaport.

Umo Eno
“We are here to render our services to you; we will respect your support in planning because the deep seaport is coming: the port is just a notch, but there are other aspects to port development, which if we don’t position ourselves very well, we may end up having a deep seaport in Akwa Ibom but not making the best out of it.” He said.
Other members of the team were the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Project and Director of Project, Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Akaninyene Ekong; Former District Surveyor NIMASA, Marine Surveyor Engr. Eyo James; and Project Lead, Shell UK, Adjunct Professor John Moores University, UK, Prof Maurice Asuquo.
Also on the team were the Chief Engineer, Jad Construction limited, Warri, Engr. Iniobong Ebong; Marine Pilot, Nigerian Ports Authority, Bonny/Port Harcourt Pilotage District, Rivers Port Complex, Nkopuyo Abraham.
Economy
Tinubu Reveals How Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria; He Quickly Saved The Country

Tinubu Reveals How Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria; He Quickly Saved The Country
Tinubu reveals how Buhari almost bankrupted Nigeria; He quickly saved The country. The statement came hours after Muhammadu Buhari issued a statement Thursday afternoon reiterating his loyalty to the president and the ruling APC.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday said he took over a Nigeria that was in the throes of bankruptcy after eight years of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.
“Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse,” Mr Tinubu said during a meeting with a group of supporters at the State House in Abuja.
The Nigerian leader has faced criticism for mishandling the economy after inflation soared for consumer items nationwide, a development analyst blamed mainly on the president’s decision to eliminate subsidies on essential petroleum products.
Mr Buhari was the first politician to be elected president on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, serving two terms of four years each from 2015 to 2023. He handed power to Mr Tinubu on the same platform, arguing during his last days in office that he had turned the nation’s socio-economic conditions around during his tenure.
Both leaders remained key political allies, and Mr Buhari issued a statement earlier on Thursday reiterating his loyalty to Mr Tinubu and the APC, following rumours that the former president was considering joining a budding alliance to defeat Mr Tinubu at the ballot in 2027.
It was unclear how Mr Tinubu’s statement would be received by Mr Buhari, who now lives in Kaduna following his exit from power.
A spokesman for the former president did not immediately return a request seeking comments about his successor’s statement Thursday night.
A State House press release said the president sought to assuage citizens that conditions would continue to improve after inflation showed signs of cooling in recent months.
Read the full press statement as issued by the president’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga below:
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu articulated on Thursday the rationale behind his administration’s economic reforms, saying the primary motive was protecting the interests of future generations.
.
“For 50 years, Nigeria was spending money of generations yet unborn and servicing the West coast of our subregion with fuel. It was getting difficult to plan for our children’s future,” he said.
He made these remarks at the State House in Abuja while receiving a delegation of former National Assembly colleagues from the aborted Third Republic, during which he served as a Senator representing Lagos West.
The President highlighted the challenges faced at the beginning of his administration, especially economic and social issues, and expressed his gratitude for the delegation’s support in addressing these difficulties:
“We faced serious headwinds when I took over, very challenging times. Nigeria would have been bankrupt if we had not taken the actions that we took, and we had to prevent the economy’s collapse.
President Tinubu declared that the administration had been able to stem the tide and expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their collective support in turning things around.
“Today, we are sitting pretty on a good foundation. We have reversed the problem; the Exchange rate is stabilising. Food prices are coming down, especially during Ramadan. We will have light at the end of the tunnel.”
He said firm adherence to democratic tenets is the best route to economic, social, and political development.
“I am happy that you are holding to your belief in democracy. I thank you for keeping faith and remembering how we started. Some people missed the ball.
“Some leadership failed, but we kept the faith with our democratic beliefs and freedom and the right to aspire to the highest office in the land. I am benefitting from it.”
Senator Emmanuel Chiedoziem Nwaka, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed his delight at some of the programmes that the Tinubu administration had implemented, especially the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and at what the two organisations were offering Nigerians.
“I appreciate you for what you are giving to students because the student population is the largest demographic in the country. I’ve spoken with many of them, and many have benefited from it.

Buhari Almost Bankrupted Nigeria
“And the next one is the CREDICORP. That’s a major way of fighting corruption. You see a young man, you come out of school, you want to buy a car, you have to put down cash, you want to buy a house, and you are not married, but with the CREDICORP, you can get things done. I’m following their activities; we are delighted,” he said.
Other members of the delegation were Sen. Bako Aufara Musa, Hon. Terwase Orbunde, Hon. Wasiu Logun, Hon. Amina Aliyu, High Chief Obi Anoliefo and Hon. Eze Nwauwa.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
March 13, 2025
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