Nigerians have taken to the social media pages of the World Bank to protest plans for a fresh $1.25 billion loan to the Federal Government, warning the lender against approving more borrowing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The reactions followed reports that the Federal Government is in advanced talks with the World Bank over a proposed $1.25 billion facility aimed at supporting economic reforms, job creation and competitiveness.
Many Nigerians who flooded the Bank’s comment sections expressed concern over the country’s rising debt profile and worsening economic hardship, with some describing Tinubu as a “borrower-in-chief.”
Critics argued that despite several loans secured in recent years, many citizens are yet to feel meaningful improvements in living conditions, infrastructure or economic stability.
Others questioned how previous loan facilities were utilised, insisting that approving another major loan could further increase Nigeria’s debt burden without solving underlying economic challenges.
Nigeria’s external debt stood at over $51 billion as of December 2025, while the country’s total public debt has continued to rise amid ongoing economic reforms and fiscal pressures.
The proposed loan, if approved, would become one of the largest World Bank facilities secured by Nigeria in recent years. Reports indicate that discussions on the package are already at an advanced stage ahead of possible approval later this year.
Neither the Federal Government nor the World Bank has officially reacted to the growing online backlash.
