Nigeria’s total public debt has risen to N152.39 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, according to fresh data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figure includes both external and domestic borrowings.
The debt stock stood at N149.38 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. This means the country’s total debt grew by 2.01 percent within three months. The NBS report showed the debt in dollar terms rose from $97.23 billion to $99.65 billion.
According to the document, Nigeria’s external debt hit N71.84 trillion (about $46.98 billion) in Q2 2025. Domestic debt also increased to N80.55 trillion (about $52.67 billion) within the same period.
The bureau noted that external debt accounted for 47.14 percent of Nigeria’s total public debt when converted to naira. Domestic debt made up the remaining 52.86 percent.
The figures also highlighted how states are borrowing. Lagos State maintained its position as the most indebted state domestically, with N1.04 trillion.
Rivers State followed with N364.39 billion.
Jigawa recorded the lowest domestic debt at N852.49 million, while Ondo State ranked next with N10.64 billion.
For external debt, Lagos again topped the chart with $1.04 billion, while Kaduna State followed with $658.70 million.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had the lowest external debt at $19.26 million, closely followed by Yobe State with $23.08 million.
The latest data adds fuel to ongoing national debates about rising borrowing, debt sustainability, and pressure on federal revenues.
