“Tinubu’s $2.2 Billion Loan is Lunch Money” Sen. Jimoh Tells Nigerians, Encourage More Debts 

Ondo South senatorial district representative, Senator Ibrahim Jimoh has ignited widespread backlash after dismissing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent $2.2 billion loan as “lunch money” and urging Nigerians to support further government borrowing. His comments, made during a press briefing on Monday, have sparked intense debates about the country’s mounting debt crisis and fiscal policies.

The Senator argued that the loan amount was too insignificant to address Nigeria’s developmental needs and called on citizens to rally behind the government’s borrowing plans to finance critical infrastructure projects. “$2.2 billion is lunch money compared to the needs of our nation. We should encourage the government to borrow more if necessary to build a brighter future,” he stated.

This statement has drawn sharp criticism from both economic experts and the general public. Critics have accused Senator Jimoh of being out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians, who are grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, and the burden of existing debts.

“Nigeria’s debt servicing already consumes a significant portion of our revenue. How can more borrowing be the solution?” questioned a Lagos-based economist, Dr. Yemi Adeyemi.

On social media, many Nigerians expressed outrage. A concerned citizen wrote, “How can a Senator trivialize $2.2 billion as lunch money while millions of Nigerians can’t afford three meals a day?”

Supporters of the Senator, however, argued that borrowing is necessary for national development if managed responsibly.

As Nigeria’s debt continues to grow, the debate over government borrowing and fiscal responsibility remains a contentious issue. Many are now calling on the government to provide transparency and concrete plans for repayment to prevent further economic strain.