The Senate has approved the new external borrowing plan request of $2.2 billion presented for consideration by President Bola Tinubu.

The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts at the plenary session on Thursday.

The report was presented by the Sen. Aliyu Wammako, chairman of the Committee.

President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday, Nov 19, in separate letters to both chambers of the National Assembly, requested approval of a $2.2 billion external borrowing plan to part fund the N9.7 trillion deficit in the 2024 budget .

Senate upon receipt of the request, mandated its committee on local and foreign debts to expeditiously ensure further legislative inputs on the request and report back within 24 hours.

Presenting the committee‘s report, Wammako said the presidential request was very necessary for approval.

He said the loan request would be utilised for execution of ongoing projects and programmes in the 2024 appropriation act , saying that the projects were critical for national growth and development.

“It will contribute to the implementation of the debt management strategy, which seeks to reduce the cost of borrowing.

” It will lengthen maturity of the public debt stock, free – up space in the domestic market for other borrowers, and help increase Nigeria’s external reserves .” Wammako said Nigeria could raise all or part of the 2.2billion dollars through the issuance of Eurobonds in the International Capital Market ( ICM) .

Wammako thereafter is recommended as follows:

“That the Senate do approve the implementation of the new external borrowing of 2.2 billion dollars at the budget exchange rate of one dollars to N800 in the 2024 appropriation act and that the amount should be raised from one or more sources.

“Namely, issuance of eurobonds in the ICM, issuance of debut sovereign Sukuk in the ICM, and bridge, syndicated loans, subject to market conditions.”

The report was thereafter unanimously approved via an affirmative voice vote.

In his remarks after the approval, Senator Jibrin Barau, deputy president of the Senate, who presided plenary, commended the Wammako led committee for a job well done.

Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunication and mobile money service provider, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mobihealth International, a pioneering telehealth service provider.

This strategic collaboration is set to significantly improve healthcare access for millions of people across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities.

Under this partnership, Nigerians will enjoy affordable and round the clock access to Mobihealth’s innovative telemedicine services, allowing them to connect with licensed healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes via mobile phones.

Mobihealth’s platform offers a range of services including 24/7 teleconsultations, prescription services, delivery of genuine medications, and access to international medical specialists.

A Game Changer for Healthcare in Africa

Airtel’s vast network infrastructure will empower Mobihealth to extend its reach to rural and remote areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations can access quality healthcare. This partnership also aims to support the government’s efforts at resolving the nation’s healthcare challenges, including limited access to doctors, high healthcare costs, and a shortage of medical facilities.

Speaking on the partnership, Femi Oshinlaja, Chief Commercial Officer of Airtel Nigeria, stated, “We believe that telemedicine will play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare future. Our partnership with Mobihealth showcases our dedication to providing innovative solutions that significantly improve the lives of Nigerians.”

Dr. Funmi Adewara, Founder and CEO of Mobihealth, added: “This partnership with Airtel is a major milestone in our mission to democratize healthcare in Africa. Together, we will offer a lifeline to millions who face barriers to accessing timely, affordable, and quality medical care. Our telehealth platform will provide convenient access to qualified doctors, diagnostics, and treatments, ensuring that no one is left behind.”

This collaboration is expected to transform the healthcare landscape across Nigeria, making healthcare services more accessible, affordable, and effective.

Mrs. Mayomi Tonye, a distinguished healthcare administrator and innovator, has been honored with the prestigious title of Outstanding Technology Personality in Healthcare Management at the Africa Digital Awards 2024.

This recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to the healthcare industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create value, drive profitability, and achieve operational success across various healthcare institutions under her management.

Mrs. Tonye Mayomi has consistently demonstrated excellence in integrating technology into healthcare practices, revolutionizing traditional methods and setting benchmarks for efficiency and innovation. With over a decade of experience in healthcare management, her expertise spans across general practice medicine, dentistry, oncology, dialysis care, and psychiatric care, both in Nigeria and the United States.

Through her visionary leadership, Mrs. Mayomi has overseen the successful deployment of digital solutions that have enhanced patient care, streamlined workflows, and optimized the profitability of healthcare facilities.

These include implementing state-of-the-art CRM systems for hospital operations, integrating telemedicine platforms to increase accessibility for patients, and utilizing data-driven insights for improved decision-making in patient and resource management.

Under her guidance, institutions such as UPSILLON Care Hospital and Upscale Wellness have thrived, incorporating advanced tools like 3D dental lab technology, digital patient flow systems, and online pharmacy solutions. These innovations have significantly improved patient experiences while ensuring cost-effective and timely access to healthcare services.

Mrs. Mayomi’s visionary contributions extend beyond operations to fostering talent and entrepreneurship in the healthcare sector. Through her consultancy firm, Ty’s Med Spaces, she has been instrumental in setting up modern healthcare facilities and equipping future healthcare administrators with the skills needed to excel in a digital era.

Speaking on the award, Mrs. Mayomi expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing healthcare through technology. “This recognition is a testament to the transformative power of technology in healthcare. I am deeply honored to receive this award, and it inspires me to continue innovating and driving positive change in the industry.

“My goal has always been to bridge the gap between quality healthcare and technology, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible while optimizing resources for long-term growth.”

The Africa Digital Awards serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations driving digital transformation across various sectors on the continent. Mrs. Mayomi Tonye’s recognition reaffirms her position as a trailblazer in healthcare management and a champion for the integration of technology into healthcare practices.

This accolade underscores Mrs. Mayomi’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Africa, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into accessible, efficient, and sustainable healthcare systems for all.