By Ayodele Oni

Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen has read a letter from President Bola Tinubu seeking the National Assembly’s approval to implement three types of borrowing.

This is to facilitate finance of government projects, in view of dwindling financial constraints.

These are capital grazing funds, the FGN 2025-2026 external borrowing plan and a request for approval for issuance of domestic bond to fund retirees pensions through the Contributory Pension scheme.

In three separate letters read on the floor of the House by Speaker Abbas, the President is a seeking the approval of the House to borrow two billion dollars for capital grazing funds, 21,543,647,912 dollars, 2,193,856,324.50 as well as 15 billion yen and a grant of 65 million Euro and ₦757, 983,246,571.

One of the letters reads: “The House of Representatives is invited to note that the 2025-2026 borrowing plan covers all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth, security, and employment generation, as well as financial and monetary reforms, among others.

“The total facility of the programme under the borrowing plan is USD 21,543,647,912, and also EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million Euro, respectively.

“In the light of the removal of the fuel subsidy and its impact on the national economy, approval is called for the borrowing plan, which amounts to USD 21,543,647,912, and EUR 2,193,856,324.54. And in Japanese Yen, 15 billion Yen and grant of 65 million, respectively.

“This initiative aims to generate employment, promote skill acquisition, foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and enhance food security, as well as to improve the livelihoods of Nigerian.

“Majority of these projects and programmes will be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In light of the significant infrastructure deficit in the country and the power of financial resources needed to address this gap amid declining domestic demand, it has become essential to pursue prudent economic borrowing to close the financial shortfall.

“These funds will primarily be directed towards critical infrastructural projects, including railways, healthcare among others.

“Given the market nature of these needs and the importance of stabilizing the economy, it is crucial to seek the consideration and approval of the House of Representatives for the 2025-2026 External Borrowing Plan.

“This will enable the government to fulfill its obligations to the Nigerian people through timely disbursement and effective project implementation.”

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has listed his administration’s various interventions to safeguard the rights and well-being of Nigerian children. He declared them as the “pride and future of four great nation.”

In an address to mark the 2025 International Children’s Day, the president noted that  up to 65 per cent of school-age children in Nigeria are reportedly experiencing some form of bullying.

Tinubu unveiled a series of bold initiatives to strengthen child protection frameworks, promote safe learning environments, and ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind.

In his message which aligned with this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” the President called on families, schools, communities, and the government to work together in building a safer, more nurturing Nigeria for the next generation.

According to him, globally, more than one in three children experience bullying regularly while  in Nigeria, studies estimate that up to 65% of school-age children have experienced some form of physical, psychological, or social aggression.

“This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.

“My fellow Nigerians and our dear children, we prioritise child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This includes the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), which I recently launched.

“The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.

“We are further taking decisive steps to prevent, detect, and respond to all forms of violence against children. As a government, we have initiated a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the scope of protection, strengthen their provisions, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.

“We are also leveraging the Cybercrime Act, which is in full force, to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.

“I am pleased to note that 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, thus reflecting our collective resolve to protect and provide for the welfare of children.

“However, laws alone will not be sufficient to protect our children. We require a holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.

“We are investing in other focused national systems for child protection, such as the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), which is being scaled up to track and respond to cases in real-time.

“The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.

“Additionally, and in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to implementing proactive measures to strengthen existing efforts to support families and communities, including developing a robust institutional framework focused exclusively on Child Protection and Development.

“This will ensure greater accountability in safeguarding the rights and well-being of every Nigerian child.

“We have introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and developed Guidelines for School Administrators, among several other measures.

“We embed social-emotional learning and child safeguarding into teacher training. Through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, we create inclusive pathways for every child to learn, thrive, and succeed, regardless of background.

“In the care economy, we are expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals and healthcare systems across all six geopolitical zones, offering integrated maternal and child services.

“We are working collaboratively with sub national governments to ensure the establishment of similar facilities across the States.

“We believe every child has the right to grow up in a loving and protective environment. To ensure that children who are unable to remain in their biological homes are given the care and protection they deserve, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children.

‘These guidelines would complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and strengthen our child protection systems.”