Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has stated that online criticism directed at international lenders will not prevent President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government from securing loans for the country.
Bwala made the remarks while reacting to increasing social media campaigns by Nigerians opposing fresh borrowing plans by the Federal Government amid concerns over the nation’s rising debt profile.
In recent days, several Nigerians reportedly stormed the social media pages of international financial institutions, including the World Bank, urging them to reject additional loan requests from Nigeria.
Many critics argued that the country’s growing debt burden could worsen economic challenges and place more pressure on future generations.
However, speaking during an interview, Bwala defended the government’s borrowing plans, insisting that obtaining loans remains a constitutional and lawful responsibility of any government when properly handled.
According to him, government borrowing is recognised under constitutional and institutional frameworks, provided the process follows due approval channels and the funds are meant for developmental purposes.
He maintained that while Nigerians are free to express dissatisfaction and opinions online, such actions cannot override the constitutional powers of the Nigerian government.
Bwala stressed that social media campaigns targeted at global financial institutions would not stop the administration from pursuing financial arrangements it considers necessary for governance and national development.
The presidential aide’s comments come amid growing public debates over Nigeria’s debt profile, economic hardship, inflation and rising concerns about government spending.
Critics of the Tinubu administration have continued to question the sustainability of additional borrowing, while government supporters insist that loans remain important for infrastructure development, economic reforms and national growth when properly utilised.
