Economy
Nigeria Can’t Stop Borrowing ~ CBN
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that Nigeria cannot stop borrowing, especially when it is necessary as it is part of fiscal responsibility.
The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said this on Friday, April 9, 2021, in Abuja at the National Dialogue on the Nigeria’s rising debt profile, titled: “The Rising Public Debt in Nigeria and the Challenges of National Development” organised by the ActionAid Nigeria (AAN).
This is as AAN and stakeholders, expressed worry over unstable levels of borrowings and rising national debt profile under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and rising poverty level.
According to Emefiele, represented by the Assistant Director, Monetary Policy Department, CBN, Dr. Tawose Joseph, there is no crime in borrowing but that there should be monitoring and evaluation of the money borrowed and the purpose meant for.
“Debt is part of fiscal responsibility. Debt is never a crime or a sin. Private entity also burrows to survive. But what matter most is the quantum of the debt and the usage of the debt as well. If a money is burrowed as a result of shortage of income generation.
“When you compare the income and expenditure and is efficiently used is part of government responsibility. But where the fear is when it is above the threshold.
“CBN understand that when there is crisis in an economy then the burden of debt would be something. That is why the conventional and non-conventional instruments is there to ensure price stability in the economy,” he said.
He added that the CBN formulates policies that positively affect the grassroots people, and added that the Apex Bank considers facts and figures before making policies.
He said that the CBN has rolled out 37 initiatives to positively affect the economy, but noted that there are challenges despite that intervention.
Speaking earlier, the AAN Country Director, Ene Obi, expressed worry over upward trend in the nation’s debt profile, which she said keeps piling up and closing the fiscal space for effective delivery of public goods.
According to her, as at 31 December 2020, data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) showed that the nation’s total debt stock stood at N32, 915,514.85trn ($86,392.54 billion).
Obi said that continued borrowing is clearly not sustainable both in the short and the long-term but rather enslaving the citizens and future generations.
She said that the Nigerian government needs to proactively garner the political will to reduce the size and cost of governance, fight corruption, close leakages in the revenue generation and utilization as it makes no sense at all giving away large chunk of “our resources on tax incentives but continue to seek funding abroad and locally.
“It is in view of these that ActionAid is convening of a National Dialogue on the Rising Public Debt, as an antipoverty agency, ActionAid is worried that if the unchecked borrowing continues, Nigeria’s efforts at dealing with its challenges of unemployment, failing social services and infrastructure deficit and rising incidences of poverty will be a mirage.
“It is also concerned that the country is not exploring other avenues such as blocking leakages from corruption, illicit financial flows, reducing cost of governance amongst others as alternatives to unsustainable and conditional laden debt.
“Recall that in 2006 the Nigerian government secured a debt relief from the international consortium of creditors otherwise known as the ‘Paris Club’. The key argument of the government then was the inability of the country to meet its development obligations due to its debt servicing obligations.
“At the time the country was indebted to the Paris Club to the tune of $36bn. Giving the debt servicing obligation, that affected the annual expenditure of education and health care as was argued by the President at that time, thus making it an unsustainable venture in the journey to National development,” she said.
In her keynote, the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, represented by the Head, Marketing Development Department (MDD), Debt Management Office (DMO), Mr. Monday Usiade, said the borrowings by the Federal Government followed due process as the National Assembly approved and passed budgets including monies to be borrowed.
She also commended AAN for conveying the dialogue as it will provide an avenue to broaden the discourse about public debts in Nigeria.
She, however, acknowledged that debt profile is really increasing, saying, “The government acknowledges that the nation’s public debt is growing, and it is also important to add that all borrowings both domestic and external are approved by the National Assembly before they are incurred, that is the representatives of the people.
“The borrowings are approved in the budget that is used to finance the budget offices and other projects presented by the various ministries, departments and agencies of the government. As you may be aware the federal government conducts and publishes debt sustainability analysis on the public debt portfolio on annually basis.
“The DMO exercise helps to determine among others. The results of the DSO are used to prepare the national budget, then the budget is now presented to the National Assembly who has the responsibility of appropriation including the amount that will be borrowed.
“The federal government also develops its medium-term budget management strategies on regular basis. The NTDS helps to set public debt management objectives to ensure that borrowing operations are conducted in a responsible manner, and the cost of enlist profile of the debt portfolio are within reasons,” Ahmed said.
She also explained that some of the reasons the government publishes relevant information on public debts include debt transparency and accountability and engender public discourse of this nature.
Also, the National President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, represented by Head Women and Youth of the congress, Mrs, Rita Goyit, lamented that the national debt profile has made poverty risen including widening inequality gap, and the people are living in abject poverty, which is at a worrisome height.
Wabba who said this has led to other vices challenging the security and peace of the country, also lamented poor treatment of workers across the country as issues that affect them, especially the minimum wage debacle, where workers are not being paid what they ought to be paid.
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Tier-one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc., has announced the resumption of international transactions on its Naira Debit Cards.
This recommencement gives customers the freedom to make seamless payments abroad, online, and at ATMs outside the country.
The Divisional Head of eBanking, Fidelity Bank, Ifeoma Onibuje, shed light on the development.
Onibuje said: “We are delighted to inform the public that Fidelity Naira Cards are now enabled for global use.
“This means that our travelling customers can now utilize their Naira Debit cards outside the country to shop, spend and withdraw internationally without hassles.”
“Consequently, our customers can now spend up to $1,000 quarterly for international POS and online transactions; and withdraw up to $500 quarterly on international ATMs.”
The announcement offers Fidelity Bank customers another way to complete international transactions, in addition to the Bank’s existing foreign currency debit and credit cards.
The bank stated that it further reinforces its commitment to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into customers’ lifestyles.
With Fidelity Bank’s VISA and Mastercard Naira Debit Cards, Nigerians can now enjoy effortless global access.
Beyond payments, Fidelity VISA cardholders, one of the variants of the bank’s card offerings, also enjoy premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
The benefits range from airport lounge and spa access via the Visa Airport Companion App, to fast-track immigration lanes and 20% discounts on SIXT car rentals worldwide.
This move, the bank said, also reflects its commitment to provide secure, convenient, and reliable banking services that empower customers in Nigeria and beyond.
The bank noted that it has deliberately made the process of getting a Fidelity Naira card seamless.
It stressed that customers can easily apply for their Fidelity VISA or Mastercard Naira Debit card via the Fidelity Mobile App or simply visit the nearest Fidelity bank branch to request for one and they can start transacting globally with ease.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.
The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.
During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.
The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.
Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:
“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”
Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:
“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”
The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.
“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”
His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.
Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.
Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:
“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”
From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.
His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.
The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
The United States government has said that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage has lost real value due to the sharp fall of the naira, leaving millions of workers trapped in poverty.
According to the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, the wage translates to just $47.90 per month.
The report noted that currency devaluation and weak enforcement have undermined the wage increase.
The report also revealed that many states are yet to implement the new wage law. Several governors cited financial challenges as the main excuse.
Even where the law exists, compliance remains poor because of limited labor inspectors and weak oversight from authorities.
Wage Devaluation and Exclusion
The report highlighted that firms with fewer than 25 workers are excluded from the minimum wage law, leaving millions of employees without protection.
This also explained that about 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where wage and labor rights are almost never enforced.
This means a majority of Nigerians continue to earn far below the national benchmark, despite the government’s approval of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
The U.S. report stressed that the naira’s sharp decline, trading above N1,500 to the dollar, had worsened the wage erosion. This has left workers unable to afford basic needs, pushing many deeper into poverty.
Human Rights and Labor Challenges
The document pointed out that weak enforcement of labor laws contributes to worsening poverty levels in the country.
Workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, artisans, and small traders, rarely benefit from labor protections.
The report also noted that Nigeria’s minimum wage is rarely sufficient to cover basic food, housing, and transport needs.
This has further exposed structural gaps in the government’s approach to economic reforms and poverty reduction.
Governors Push Investment Platform
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new investment initiative called NGF Investopedia.
The platform seeks to attract capital flows into bankable projects across all 36 states, with the goal of tackling Nigeria’s annual $100 billion infrastructure financing deficit.
The launch event in Abuja gathered governors, international partners, and investors. The forum described the platform as a long-term strategy to unlock growth opportunities across states and strengthen Nigeria’s subnational economies.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria must urgently leverage its human and natural resources to address poverty and joblessness.
“Here is Africa’s largest economy, endowed with abundant human and natural resources,” he said, stressing that state governments must play a bigger role in attracting investments and supporting local industries.
A Widening Gap
The contrast between the U.S. report on wage decline and the governors’ push for investment highlights Nigeria’s economic paradox.
While authorities promote foreign capital inflow, millions of workers continue to survive on wages that have lost most of their value.
With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and the naira weakening, the gap between earnings and cost of living keeps widening.
Unless enforcement improves and the informal sector is integrated into wage protections, the N70,000 benchmark may remain symbolic rather than effective.
Fidelity Bank may have hit another milestone the Fidelity Naira Card is now accepted globally.
This was disclosed in a message sent to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) via email on Monday.
According to the statement entitled “Your Fidelity Naira Card Now Works Globally; Shop, Pay and Withdraw with Ease!“, customers can buy favourite global brands online using their Fidelity Naira Card.
The band also stated that they can equally pay at POS terminals abroad and make cash withdrawals at ATMs as they travel.
The message reads:
“We’re excited to let you know that your Fidelity Naira Card is now enabled for global use — so you can shop, spend and withdraw internationally with confidence.
“Here’s what you now enjoy every quarter:
|
Channel |
Transaction Limit |
| ATM Withdrawal abroad | $500 |
| Online/Web & POS Payments | $ 1,000 |
“What does this mean for you?
- Shop your favourite global brands online
- Pay at POS terminals abroad with ease
- Withdraw cash at ATMs when you travel.”
The statement, however, noted that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions combined, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments.
The bank urged customers who may need assistance with setting card limits or activating their cards for global use, to contact the bank’s customers care “Centre Trueserve”, which is available round the clock, whether in Nigeria, or outside the country.
“Your world, your card — spend smart, spend globally with Fidelity,” the message concludes.
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