Former Kogi West senator Dino Melaye has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of reckless borrowing, wasteful spending, and worsening hunger across Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on Arise TV, Melaye argued that the government’s rising appetite for loans has plunged the nation into deeper economic hardship despite claims of increased revenue.
“There is massive hunger in the land. Why is the president borrowing $1.7 billion from the World Bank? Why has the Senate approved $21 billion so far with more still coming?” Melaye asked.
The outspoken politician went further, mocking the scale of borrowing: “He has borrowed like no other president in the history of this country. If you are making more money, then why are you borrowing? We will not be surprised if the president starts borrowing from Opay and Moniepoint very soon.”
‘Reckless spending in the midst of hunger’
Melaye accused Tinubu’s government of spending billions on luxuries while Nigerians struggle with rising food prices. He pointed to the controversial purchase of a presidential yacht and a new jet allegedly acquired without National Assembly approval.
“That yacht has never been near Nigeria’s territorial waters—it’s been between Monaco and Paris,” he claimed. “And within a few months in office, the president bought a presidential jet that cost this country billions. They called it a gift because the money was not appropriated.”
Mounting debt concerns
Last month, the Senate approved Tinubu’s request to borrow over $21 billion from external sources for the 2025–2026 fiscal years. Critics, including Melaye, say the mounting debt will burden future generations and deepen Nigeria’s economic woes.
Despite Tinubu’s government assurances of rising revenue, public frustration is growing as inflation, hunger, and unemployment continue to rise.
Melaye summed up his position bluntly, “This is one of the most reckless governments in Nigeria’s history.”
