Atiku Abubakar Demands Clarity on Nigeria's N166.79tn Debt

Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for a comprehensive reconciliation of Nigeria's public debt, which has surged to N166.79tn as of June 30, 2026, according to the Debt Management Office's latest figures published on September 25. This total includes N91.59tn in domestic debt and N75.20tn in external debt.

Atiku criticized the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu, demanding an explanation for the increase from N49.85tn in March 2023, prior to Tinubu taking office. He requested a breakdown of the debt to clarify inherited obligations, the impact of exchange-rate movements, and new borrowings since May 2023.

Atiku also highlighted the N22.71tn Ways and Means advances incorporated into the debt stock and questioned the rising costs of debt servicing, which he claims limit resources for public services. He specifically requested transparency regarding Treasury Bills and other charges listed in the external debt-service report, including a $39.25m charge related to a First Abu Dhabi Bank transaction.