Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval for an external loan of $2.209 billion to help bridge the N9.7 trillion deficit in the country’s 2024 budget.

The request, presented during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, seeks to secure funding from international sources to address critical development needs and economic priorities outlined in the budget.

This move comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and economic challenges. Lawmakers are expected to debate the proposal in the coming days.