Atiku demands explanations as Nigeria's debt reaches N166.79 trillion

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has requested that President Bola Tinubu furnish a thorough itemisation of Nigeria's borrowing activities. As of June 30, 2026, the nation's total debt obligation stood at N166.79 trillion, based on figures released by the Debt Management Office on September 25.

This marked a rise of N7.44 trillion relative to the preceding quarter. Via his campaign's communications division, Atiku pressed the President to disclose comprehensive information on all Treasury Bills, loans, and charges appearing in debt-service documentation.

He questioned the continuation of borrowing despite rising revenues collected by government, arguing that Nigerians had not realised the promised economic benefits from the administration's programme of reforms. He additionally demanded that the administration offer a formal apology for the suffering Nigerians have endured because of subsidy removals and connected economic measures introduced in 2023.

Nigeria's debt composition reveals that domestic liabilities total N91.59 trillion, roughly 55 per cent of overall obligations, with external liabilities representing approximately N75.20 trillion. When expressed in dollars, the Debt Management Office calculated total public debt at $120.93 billion.

The former Vice President's request emerges after more than three years have elapsed since the administration launched its economic reforms. Atiku's statement reflects ongoing political discord over the government's budgetary management and widespread living-cost pressures facing ordinary Nigerians.

Economic measures have triggered sharp rises in the cost of food, transport, and electricity for residents. Though the African Democratic Congress's presidential candidate did not specify which elements of the debt records particularly concerned him, he sought comprehensive particulars regarding borrowing trends and their relationship to increases in government income.