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Thursday, August 06, 2020 / 12:17 PM / By The DMO / Header Image Credit: The China Africa Project
The general public is encouraged to be guided by the facts in this Press
Release.
How Much Loan has Nigeria Taken from China?
As at March 31, 2020, the Total Borrowing by Nigeria from China was
USD3.121 billion. This amount represents only 3.94% of Nigeria's Total Public
Debt of USD79.303 billion as at March 31, 2020. Similarly, in terms of external
sources of funds, Loans from China accounted for 11.28% of the External Debt
Stock of USD27.67 billion at the same date. These data, show that China is not
a major source of funding for the Nigerian Government.
What are the Terms of the Loans from China?
The Total Borrowing from China of USD3.121 billion as at March 31, 2020,
are concessional Loans with Interest Rates of 2.50% p.a., Tenor of Twenty (20)
years and Grace Period (Moratorium) of Seven (7) years. The Terms and other
details of the Loan are available at here
These Terms are compliant with the provisions of Section 41 (1a) of the
Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. In addition, the low interest rate reduces the
Interest Cost to Government while the long tenor enables the repayment of the principal
sum of the Loans over many years. These two benefits, make the provisions for
Debt Service in the Annual Budget lower than they would otherwise have been if
the Loans were on commercial terms.
What Were the Loans Used For?
The USD3.121 billion Loans are project-tied Loans. The projects, (eleven
in number as at March 31, 2020), include: Nigerian Railway Modernization
Project (Idu-Kaduna section), Abuja Light Rail Project, Nigerian Four Airport
Terminals Expansion Project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt),
Nigerian Railway Modernization Project (Lagos-Ibadan section) and Rehabilitation
and Upgrading of Abuja - Keffi- Makurdi Road Project. See a Full List of
the Projects at here
The impact of these Loans is not only evident but visible. For instance,
the Idu - Kaduna Rail Line has become a major source of transportation between
Abuja and Kaduna. Also, the new International Airport in Abuja, has improved
air transportation for the populace, while the Lagos - Ibadan rail line when
completed, will ease traffic on the busy Lagos -Ibadan Expressway.
The projects also have the added benefits of job creation, not only by
themselves but through direct and indirect service providers, a number of which
are Small and Medium Enterprises. It is widely accepted that investment in
infrastructure is one of the most effective tools for countries to achieve
economic growth and development. Using Loans from China to finance
infrastructure is thus in alignment with this position.
What Is the Process by which the Loans were Obtained?
The principal process and requirements for borrowing by the Government are expressly stated in the Debt Management Office Establishment (ETC) Act, 2003 (DMO Act) and the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. Section 21 (1) of the DMO Act, "No External loan shall be approved or obtained by the Minister unless its terms and conditions shall have been laid before the National Assembly and approved by its resolution" and Section 41 (1a) of the FRA, "Government at all tiers shall only borrow for capital expenditure and human development, provided that, such borrowing shall be on concessional terms with low interest rate and with a reasonable long amortization period subject to the approval of the appropriate legislative body where necessary", are instructive in this regard.
For detailed information on the borrowing process and required approvals
please go to "External and Domestic Borrowing Guidelines for Federal
Government, State Government and the Federal Capital Territory and their
Agencies" here
To summarise, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National
Planning works with the MDAs under whose portfolio a proposed loan falls and
also with the DMO. Thereafter, the approval of the Federal Executive Council
(FEC) is sought. It is only after the approval by FEC that His Excellency
requests for the approval of the National Assembly (NASS) as required by
Section 41 of the Fiscal responsibility Act, 2007. More importantly, it is only
after the approval of NASS that the Loans are taken and Nigeria begins to
drawdown on the Loans. In summary, Borrowing is a joint activity between the
Executive (FEC) and the Legislative (NASS) Arms of Government.
How Rigorous is the Loan Documentation?
The Loan Agreements are reviewed by legal officers of the Federal
Ministry of Justice and the Legal Opinion of the Honourable Attorney General of
the Federation and Minister of Justice is obtained before any External Loan
Agreement is signed.
Can China Take Possession of the Projects Financed by them if Nigeria
Defaults in the Servicing of the Loan?
Nigeria explicitly provides for Debt Service on its External and
Domestic Debt in its Annual Budgets. In effect, this means that Debt Service is
recognised and payment is planned for.
In addition, a number of the projects being (and to be) financed by the
Loans are either revenue generating or have the potential to generate revenue.
Recent Related News on Subject - Thoughts on Nigeria and Chinese Loans - Reuben Abati, Aug 05, 2020
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