By Palma Ileye
ActionAid Nigeria has said it was deeply alarmed by Nigeria’s escalating public debt, which now stands at an unprecedented N134.297 trillion as of June 2024, according to figures from the Debt Management Office, DMO.
This staggering debt according to a press release signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria has grown by nearly N13 trillion in just three months—a rate of nearly 11%—placing a burden of approximately N619,501 on each Nigerian citizen, a figure that far exceeds the recently approved minimum wage of N70,000.
The statement disclosed that without immediate intervention, Nigeria risks falling into a full-blown debt crisis adding that this debt burden, driven primarily by large-scale borrowing, underscores a critical need to reassess Nigeria’s fiscal policies.
Mamedu stated that while infrastructure development was crucial, the cost of these projects should not come at the expense of Nigerians’ access to basic services.
He said that with a population of over 216 million, this unsustainable trajectory has led to widespread concerns about the impact on poverty, healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
He said that Nigeria’s public debt profile was divided between N63 trillion in external debt and N71.2 trillion in domestic debt noting that the Federal Government holds the bulk of this debt, accounting for N55.8 trillion externally and N66.9 trillion domestically, while States collectively owe N7.1 trillion in external and N4.2 trillion in domestic debt.
The Country Director in the statement said that Lagos State carries the heaviest domestic debt burden at N885.99 billion, followed by Rivers State at N389.20 billion.
These figures he said reveal a stark fiscal imbalance, indicating that both Federal and State Governments must re-evaluate their spending priorities and debt management practices.
AAN statement disclosed that the impact of this debt extends beyond mere statistics; it represents a substantial barrier to essential services for the Nigerian people saying that despite high debt levels, millions of Nigerians lack access to adequate healthcare, education, clean water, and poverty relief.
“Many families struggle to meet their daily needs, and with every citizen effectively saddled with a debt obligation of almost N600,000, urgent fiscal action is required to protect and uplift Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
“The removal of the subsidy was intended to free up significant resources, with the promise that these funds redirected to all tiers of government and drastically cutting down the country’s dependence on borrowing. However, as the nation’s public debt continues to soar, the question arises: where is the money from the fuel subsidy savings going?
“If managed effectively, the funds from the subsidy removal should not only reduce the need for further loans but also enhance fiscal stability by enabling better investment in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction programs.
“These funds must be managed with full accountability and transparency, ensuring they are invested efficiently in ways that directly benefit the most vulnerable citizens. Without strict oversight and clear reporting on the allocation and impact of these funds, there is a risk they could be mismanaged or diverted to wasteful projects, leaving the promise of the subsidy removal unfulfilled and worsening the country’s financial situation.
Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio has now surpassed 50%.
“This marks a significant shift in the country’s fiscal landscape, highlighting the growing strain on the economy. While Nigeria has long maintained that its relatively low debt-to-GDP ratio allowed room for increased borrowing, the rapid rise in debt now limits the country’s ability to secure additional funding without exacerbating its fiscal challenges,” he explained.
He also said that the increasing debt burden, coupled with a high debt service-to-revenue ratio, threatens to undermine the government’s ability to invest in essential services, leaving the nation vulnerable to further economic instability stating that to prevent a full-blown debt crisis, Nigeria must adopt a more sustainable fiscal approach, curbing excessive borrowing and prioritising efficient allocation of resources to foster long-term economic growth.
He recommended a reduction in the allowances of high-ranking government officials, including Legislators and Ministers, as a symbolic and practical step toward more responsible governance saying that, “By cutting these expenses, Nigeria can free up critical funds to address pressing social needs in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.
Beyond these cuts, ActionAid Nigeria urges a complete overhaul of fiscal policies to prioritise the needs of Nigeria’s poorest and most marginalised populations.
“Our current fiscal trajectory not only stifles economic growth but also risks worsening inequality and social unrest. With essential public services consistently underfunded, Nigeria’s per capita debt burden has reached a level that is both unsustainable and unacceptable. To alleviate the debt crisis, the government must diversify its revenue streams and adopt more progressive taxation measures.”
The organization urged the government to reform its taxation system, ensuring that wealthier individuals and corporations contribute their fair share, rather than over-relying on regressive taxes that disproportionately affect lower-income Nigerians.
It further stated: “Additionally, the elimination of wasteful expenditures beyond salaries is necessary to build a robust, inclusive economy that works for all.
“While the Federal Government carries a substantial portion of the debt, States like Lagos and Rivers are also burdened with high debt levels, highlighting regional fiscal disparities.
“The Federal Government must acknowledge these disparities and ensure that fiscal policies consider the unique economic realities of each state. A truly inclusive development plan must equitably distribute resources and opportunities across all regions of Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s mounting debt is not merely a result of borrowing; it is symptomatic of systemic governance issues, including inefficiency and mismanagement. ActionAid Nigeria calls for a transparent and accountable approach to borrowing and spending practices, particularly in implementing infrastructure projects. Every naira borrowed must be spent effectively, with a direct positive impact on Nigerians.
“This transparency is crucial for rebuilding public trust and demonstrating a commitment to responsible governance.
Nigeria’s growing debt signals an unsustainable economic path that urgently needs correction. To avert a worsening debt crisis, the Nigerian government must adopt a people-centered approach to development, prioritising human welfare over infrastructure projects that do not directly benefit the nation’s most marginalized citizens.”
ActionAid Nigeria said it remains committed to advocating for policies that promote the welfare of Nigeria’s most vulnerable and calls on the government to reorient its fiscal strategies to secure a sustainable, inclusive future.