Debt Management Office (DMO) has revealed that Nigeria’s total public debt rose to about N159 trillion as of December 31, 2025, reflecting an increase of roughly N14 trillion within one year.
Gatekeepers News reports that data released by the DMO shows that the country’s debt stock grew from N144.67 trillion in December 2024 to about N159.27 trillion at the end of 2025. This represents a year-on-year increase of approximately N14.6 trillion, highlighting the continued reliance on borrowing to finance government spending.
On a quarterly basis, the debt also rose from N153.29 trillion in September 2025 to N159.27 trillion in December, indicating an increase of about N5.98 trillion within three months.
The debt profile includes both domestic and external obligations of the federal government, the 36 states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Domestic debt accounted for a slightly larger share, standing at about N84.8 trillion, while external debt was put at approximately N74.4 trillion.
Further breakdown shows that the federal government holds the bulk of the debt, particularly in domestic borrowing, while states and the FCT account for a smaller portion.
The steady increase in debt has been linked to ongoing fiscal pressures, including budget deficits, infrastructure financing needs, and efforts to stabilise the economy.
