The federal government yesterday defended its proposed $21.7 billion external borrowing plan, insisting that the funds would finance productive investments in infrastructure and other critical sectors to stimulate economic growth, strengthen national productivity and improve living standards. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the proposed financing should be assessed based on the assets to be created and the economic returns expected, rather than simply as an addition to the country’s debt burden.....…....................READ MORE