From Premium Times Nigeria · Omotoyosi Idowu · · 1m 40s
Nigeria's Debt Rises to $145bn
World Bank reports Nigeria's external debt up 6.6% to $145bn in 2025.
In brief
World Bank reports Nigeria's external debt up 6.6% to $145bn in 2025. Nigeria's external debt increased to $145.015 billion in 2025, a 6.6% rise from 2024, according to World Bank data. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
World Bank Debt Report
Nigeria’s external debt increased from $83.21 billion in 2015 to $145.015 billion in 2025, a 74.3 per cent increase in 10 years.
Debt Breakdown
Public debt: $62.4 billion; private non-guaranteed: $54.476 billion; short-term debt: $28.139 billion.
Debt Service Burden
Debt service accounts for 19% of exports and 5% of GNI.
Debt Ratios
External debt-to-exports ratio: 212%; debt as share of GNI: 51%.
Bilateral Creditors
China: $5.672 billion; France: $774 million; other bilateral: $237 million.
New Borrowing Terms
Official creditors: 25-year maturity, 1.9% interest; private creditors: 12-year maturity, 9.6% interest.
Capital Market Return
Nigeria raised $2.3 billion through a dual-tranche international bond issue in 2025.
Total Return Swap
Nigeria entered into a $5 billion Total Return Swap transaction in 2026 with a three-year maturity.
Debt Transparency Concerns
World Bank warns rising debt stocks and debt-servicing obligations are putting pressure on developing economies.
Debt Service Impact
Debt service burden reduces resources for infrastructure, jobs, education, healthcare, and development priorities.
World Bank Statistician
Haishan Fu, Chief Statistician of World Bank Group, states debt transparency is a shared responsibility.
Debt Service Burden
Debt service burden increased for a fifth consecutive year in 2025.
Debt Transparency Message
World Bank emphasizes knowing debt terms is critical for sustainable growth and development.
Debt Impact on Development
Rising debt service reduces resources for infrastructure, jobs, education, healthcare, and development priorities.
In short
Nigeria's external debt increased to $145.015 billion in 2025, a 6.6% rise from 2024, according to World Bank data.
