By SUNTV Global Channel
August 8, 2026
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s total public debt stock has risen to N159.35 trillion as of March 2026, representing an increase of N9.96 trillion, or 6.67 per cent, compared with the N149.39 trillion recorded in March 2025.
The latest figures were contained in data released by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
In dollar terms, Nigeria’s total public debt increased from $97.24 billion in March 2025 to $114.95 billion in March 2026, representing an increase of $17.71 billion, or 18.22 per cent, over the 12-month period.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, total public debt increased marginally from N159.28 trillion in December 2025 to N159.35 trillion in March 2026, representing an increase of N75.51 billion, or 0.05 per cent.
However, the dollar value of the debt rose by $3.98 billion, or 3.59 per cent, during the same period, largely reflecting movements in the naira-dollar exchange rate.
The DMO used an exchange rate of N1,386.2156 to the dollar for its March 2026 calculation, compared with N1,435.2571 to the dollar used in December 2025.
Nigeria’s external debt stood at $51.90 billion in March 2026, representing a marginal increase of about $48.05 million from the $51.86 billion recorded in December 2025.
In naira terms, however, external debt declined by N2.48 trillion, or 3.33 per cent, from N74.43 trillion in December 2025 to N71.95 trillion in March 2026.
Domestic debt, meanwhile, increased by N2.55 trillion, or 3.01 per cent, rising from N84.85 trillion in December 2025 to N87.40 trillion in March 2026.
Year-on-year, domestic debt increased by N8.64 trillion, or 10.98 per cent, and accounted for 54.85 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2026, compared with 52.72 per cent recorded a year earlier.
The Federal Government remained the largest domestic borrower during the period under review.
Its domestic debt increased from N80.49 trillion in December 2025 to N82.88 trillion in March 2026.
Compared with the N74.89 trillion recorded in March 2025, the Federal Government’s domestic debt rose by N7.99 trillion, or 10.67 per cent, within one year.
The Federal Government’s domestic debt alone represented 52.01 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2026.
The latest figures highlight the continued growth in Nigeria’s public debt stock and the increasing role of domestic borrowing in financing government obligations.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments surrounding Nigeria’s debt profile, government borrowing and the impact on the country’s economy.
