Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N166.79 trillion as of June 30, 2026, bringing the country’s debt burden close to 40 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and prompting renewed concerns among economists over debt sustainability, borrowing efficiency and the use of borrowed funds.
The latest figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) showed that the country’s public debt stock increased by N7.44 trillion within three months, rising from N159.35 trillion at the end of March 2026 to N166.79 trillion by the end of June.
The increase represents a 4.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter rise, with domestic borrowing continuing to account for the larger share of the country’s obligations.