Nigeria’s total public debt stock rose to N159.35 trillion as of March 2026, representing a N9.96 trillion, or 6.67 per cent, increase from N149.39 trillion recorded in March 2025, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).
In dollar terms, the country’s debt increased by $17.71 billion, or 18.22 per cent, from $97.24 billion to $114.95 billion within the same period.
Between December 2025 and March 2026, total debt increased marginally by N75.51 billion, or 0.05 per cent, from N159.28 trillion to N159.35 trillion. However, its dollar value rose by $3.98 billion, or 3.59 per cent, to $114.95 billion, largely due to exchange-rate changes.
The DMO used an exchange rate of N1,386.2156/$ for its March figures, compared with N1,435.2571/$ in December.
External debt stood at $51.90 billion in March, up slightly by $48.05 million from $51.86 billion in December. In naira terms, however, it fell by N2.48 trillion, or 3.33 per cent, from N74.43 trillion to N71.95 trillion.
Meanwhile, domestic debt rose by N2.55 trillion, or 3.01 per cent, from N84.85 trillion to N87.40 trillion. It increased by N8.64 trillion, or 10.98 per cent, year-on-year, accounting for 54.85 per cent of total debt, compared with 52.72 per cent a year earlier.
The Federal Government remained the dominant domestic borrower, with its debt rising from N80.49 trillion in December 2025 to N82.88 trillion in March 2026. Compared with N74.89 trillion in March 2025, this represents a N7.99 trillion, or 10.67 per cent, increase.
The Federal Government’s domestic debt alone accounted for 52.01 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2026.
The post “Nigeria’s Public Debt Rises By N9.96trn To N159.35trn In One Year Under Tinubu” — DMO appeared first on Information Nigeria.