Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s total public debt stock reached N159.28 trillion (approximately $110.97 billion USD) as of December 31, 2025.
The data, released by the Debt Management Office (DMO), shows a steady increase driven primarily by domestic borrowing. This figure represents a 3.9 percent rise from the N153.29 trillion recorded in the previous quarter.
The latest debt figures highlight a continued expansion of the country’s debt profile. On a year-on-year basis, the total public debt grew by over 10 percent. Domestic debt accounted for more than half of the total, standing at N84.85 trillion and making it the largest contributor to the nation’s obligations.
According to Okay News, this reliance on the domestic market is a key factor in financing the government’s fiscal gaps. The Federal Government holds the majority of this domestic debt, while state governments and the Federal Capital Territory account for a smaller portion. The sustained increase in borrowing continues to raise concerns about fiscal pressure and long-term debt sustainability.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s external debt stood at N74.43 trillion, making up the remaining 46.73 percent of the total debt stock. While the overall structure of the debt portfolio remained relatively stable, the consistent upward trend underscores the financial challenges facing the nation as it manages its budget and public spending.
