ADC Lawmakers Challenge Tinubu Over $516m Road Loan

Lawmakers from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have officially challenged President Bola Tinubu’s request for a **$516 million infrastructure loan** intended for the Sokoto–Badagry road project. The legislators raised concerns over the nation's rising debt profile, arguing that the terms of the loan must be thoroughly scrutinized before any Senate approval is granted. The challenge comes as the administration seeks to expand its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to drive a $1 trillion economy target.

The Sokoto–Badagry road is a critical component of the national "Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway" vision, intended to link the North-West to the South-West and boost trans-border trade. However, the ADC caucus maintains that existing infrastructure funds should be better audited before new external obligations are incurred. They have called for a public hearing to allow stakeholders to evaluate the economic viability of the project and its long-term repayment plan.

The Presidency has defended the loan request, describing it as a vital investment in "connectivity and inclusion" for historically underserved regions. Presidential aides noted that the project is essential for reducing the high cost of transportation and trade delays that currently inflate the price of goods across the country.

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