“We Won’t Be Surprised If the President Starts Borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint Soon” — Senator Dino Melaye Mocks Federal Government’s Rising Debt

Fiery politician and former Kogi West lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has taken another swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, this time over what he describes as the government’s “reckless and embarrassing borrowing culture.”

In a scathing remark that has since gone viral, Melaye said:

“At this rate, we won’t be surprised if the President starts borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint very soon.”

The satirical jab, delivered during a press conference on the state of the economy, was aimed at highlighting Nigeria’s soaring debt levels, dwindling reserves, and what Melaye describes as the government's “inability to generate revenue without going cap in hand.”

While the comment drew laughter from the audience, its undertone speaks to growing concerns over Nigeria’s mounting national debt under the current administration. According to recent figures, Nigeria’s debt profile has crossed alarming thresholds, with borrowing used to fund everything from fuel subsidies to civil service salaries.

“Every month it’s another loan — from China, from the World Bank, from the IMF. Very soon, maybe from POS operators too,” Melaye added sarcastically.

Melaye’s statement triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing both amusement and concern.

“Dino no get filter, but he’s not lying. If OPay starts offering overdrafts to Aso Rock, I won’t even blink,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).

Others criticized the comment as overly dramatic, accusing Melaye of politicizing serious economic issues for clout.

“Dino Melaye has turned national economic discourse into stand-up comedy,” said one APC supporter. “Where was he when PDP was borrowing blindly?”

Melaye’s criticism comes as the Tinubu administration faces growing pressure over its economic policies, especially in light of rising inflation, naira instability, fuel subsidy removal, and mass unemployment.

Experts say the government’s borrowing habits may soon crowd out investments, worsen debt servicing obligations, and limit fiscal flexibility.

“Whether it’s OPay or China, the question remains — how sustainable is this borrowing? What are we using the loans for? And how are we repaying them?” an economist noted.

Known for his theatrical delivery and sharp tongue, Senator Dino Melaye may have dropped the line in jest — but for many Nigerians facing daily economic hardship, the joke hits a little too close to home.

As the debt grows and public patience thins, the real question remains: Who’s next on Nigeria’s loan contact list? OPay? Moniepoint? Or maybe your neighborhood POS operator?