Nigeria's Public Debt Reaches ₦159 Trillion by 2025

As of December 31, 2025, Nigeria's total public debt has surged to ₦159.28 trillion, marking an increase from ₦153.29 trillion recorded in September 2025. This represents a quarter-on-quarter rise of ₦5.98 trillion, or 3.9%, and a year-on-year growth of ₦14.61 trillion, or 10.1%.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) indicates that Nigeria's external debt stood at ₦74.43 trillion, accounting for 46.73% of the total debt, while domestic debt comprised ₦84.85 trillion, or 53.27%. The federal government holds the majority of domestic debt at ₦80.49 trillion.

Experts, including Alaj, express concern over the sustainability of Nigeria's fiscal situation, particularly as debt service obligations increase, pressuring government revenues. Projections suggest that the debt-to-GDP ratio will reach 34% by the end of 2026.

The rising debt burden, estimated at approximately ₦724,000 per citizen, raises alarms about the economic implications for current and future generations unless urgent fiscal measures are implemented.