Nigeria, May 29 -- The Nigerian government has defended its plan to borrow $21.5 million and Euro15 billion and obtain a grant of €65 million.

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, in a letter, requested the National Assembly's approval to obtain the loans.

Many Nigerians have criticised the loan request.

Some critics, including economists and civic advocates, have questioned the necessity of external borrowing in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal, a policy that was expected to free up resources for domestic development.

They argue that the subsidy removal should have created fiscal space to meet the nation's financial needs without resorting to additional borrowing. Some others are concerned about Nigeria's rising debt pro...