Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with full details of its $5 billion financing facility obtained from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Atiku, the 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said citizens have a right to know how the borrowed funds will be used, stressing that taxpayers and future generations will ultimately bear the responsibility for repaying the facility.
The former vice-president’s demand followed comments by Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, regarding the government’s position on disclosing specific details about the deployment of funds from the facility.
Atiku argued that the administration’s handling of the loan raises questions about transparency and accountability, particularly at a time when Nigeria’s public debt remains a major concern.
He warned that borrowing without adequate disclosure could expose the country to additional financial pressures and leave future administrations with heavier repayment obligations.
According to Atiku, Nigerians should be informed about the purpose of the facility, the terms attached to it and the specific projects or programmes for which the money is intended.
He also criticised what he described as the government’s growing reliance on borrowing, arguing that increased debt should be accompanied by clear explanations of how borrowed resources are being deployed and what benefits Nigerians can expect.
The ADC presidential candidate maintained that public funds must be managed openly and responsibly, particularly when the obligations arising from such borrowing are ultimately borne by citizens.
Atiku’s comments come amid renewed political debate over the Tinubu administration’s economic policies and borrowing plans ahead of the 2027 general election. The former vice-president has repeatedly criticised the government’s economic management and called for greater accountability in public finance.
The $5 billion financing facility with First Abu Dhabi Bank has therefore become another point of contention between the opposition and the Federal Government, with Atiku insisting that Nigerians deserve clear information about the arrangement and its intended use.
He urged Nigerians, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to demand greater transparency from the government, arguing that accountability in public borrowing is essential to protecting the country’s economic future.
