Nigeria's public debt hits ₦159.28trn in December 2025 amid global trade pressures

Nigeria's total public debt reached ₦159.28 trillion as of December 2025, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO). This figure represents the country's combined external and domestic debt obligations, marking a significant increase from previous years. The debt milestone comes amid global economic shifts, including US tariff policies affecting international trade patterns, as highlighted in recent Vietnam-China diplomatic talks where both nations sought to strengthen ties to mitigate trade upheaval. For Nigeria, rising debt levels raise concerns about fiscal sustainability and debt service capacity, particularly as government revenue faces pressure from volatile oil prices and economic diversification challenges. The DMO data shows debt accumulation accelerated in 2025, with external debt components particularly sensitive to global interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate movements. While borrowing funds infrastructure and development projects, the debt-to-GDP ratio now exceeds levels that triggered previous debt sustainability concerns, requiring careful management of new loans and existing obligations. Nigerians should monitor how debt servicing costs affect national budget allocations—particularly whether increased debt payments crowd out spending on critical sectors like health, education, and social welfare programs that directly impact daily livelihoods.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/15/china-vietnam-leaders-sign-cooperation-deals/