NIGERIA’S DEBT RISES TO N166.79TRN, ATIKU SAYS EACH CITIZEN OWES N716,822

September 28, 2026

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said Nigeria’s debt burden has risen to N716,822 per person, following an increase in the country’s total debt profile to N166.79 trillion as of June 2026.

Atiku disclosed this in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Monday.

His comment came amid reports that the Federal Government is seeking a fresh N1.5 trillion loan from the World Bank.

According to the Debt Management Office (DMO), Nigeria’s total debt stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June 2026.

Reacting to the figures, Atiku criticised the government’s economic management and expressed concern over the rising debt burden.

He said Nigerian families were struggling with the cost of food, fuel and electricity while the country’s debt continued to increase.

“If Nigeria’s public debt were divided among everyone, each person’s share would be N716,822 today. Three years ago, it was N383,442. That is an 87 per cent increase,” Atiku said.

He added, “Tinubu has made today difficult and tomorrow more uncertain.”

Atiku also called on the Federal Government to account for the country’s existing debt before seeking additional borrowing from the World Bank.