- The Federal Government is seeking three new World Bank loans worth a combined $1.5 billion as Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N166.79 trillion by June 2026.
- The proposed facilities are aimed at climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development, while existing World Bank exposure stood at $20.73 billion as of June 2026.
The Federal Government is seeking three new World Bank loans worth a combined $1.5 billion as Nigeria’s public debt climbed to N166.79 trillion by June 2026.
The proposed facilities, each valued at $500 million, are targeted at climate resilience, social protection and early childhood development.
One of the proposed loans is additional financing for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project. The funding is expected to support land restoration, flood and erosion control, irrigation, water management and other climate-resilience measures.
Another $500 million facility is being proposed for the Household Prosperity and Empowerment-Social Protection (HOPE-SP) project, which is designed to support poor and vulnerable households through cash transfers, an improved social registry and stronger social protection systems.
The third facility would support the Nigeria Early Childhood Development programme across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a focus on healthcare, nutrition, early learning, childcare, water and sanitation for children aged zero to five.
The latest Debt Management Office figures show that Nigeria’s public debt increased by N14.39 trillion from N152.40 trillion in June 2025 to N166.79 trillion in June 2026. Domestic debt stood at N91.59 trillion, while external debt was N75.20 trillion.
Nigeria’s external debt stood at $54.52 billion, while its debt to the World Bank Group reached $20.73 billion by June 2026, representing about 38 per cent of the country’s external debt.
Economist Adewale Abimbola said concessional borrowing could support development if properly structured and effectively utilised, stressing that the key issue was how the funds were deployed.
Reactions
Enyeribe Onyekachi: Only fools and yoruba tribalists are supporting tinubu. Otherwise no reasonable Nigerian will vote tinubu again
Samuel Nedum: All the PBAT Data boys will walk out of this room now.
LoL
They’ll do eyes right and pretend like they didn’t see this
Austine Ihechukwu: The thing is, even before this news comes out akpabio has already approved
Ola Adebowale: Didn’t shettima say it at UNGA?…They need “pinancing”🤣
Avon Otobo Clemz: But World Bank sef, them dey Loan to every country way ask, how them dey take get all those funds them?
make nobody insult my ignorance o, just educate me pls🙏🏿
Mikky Pedia: That’s no more a new thing or news.. Pbat nd Apc will get more loan b4 the end of 2026
Chinonso Anazodo: Another loan, Mr Loanus!
Onyie Olivia: Subsidy removal benefits is for d governor’s said by Governor D7
Kpesa Christy: In curing depth for Nigeria securing their own future and that of their generation to come God will judge
Moses Jimba: The greatest borrower of all time.
Orara Chukwudi: Nah for camping oh,Abeg mke them no give them oh
Ogundele Oluwafemi: I thought you said you know the road. After 700 billion dollars mining’s deal, you still want to borrow? Hmm 😒
