Business
Nigeria’s Owes N87.37trn As at Q3 2023, DMO Confirms
The Director General of Debt Management Office (DMO), Ms. Patience Oniha, has confirmed Nigeria’s debt stock stands at N87.37 trillion as at September 30, 2023.
Oniha, who disclosed this during the interactive session held at the instance of House Committee on Appropriations chaired by Hon. Abubakar Bichi, however, noted that while justifying the rationale behind the borrowing spree, she informed the Parliament that projects implemented by Federal government during the three previous recessions were funded through borrowing.
She said: “Let me speak a bit about public debt as you requested in the letter inviting us.
“The first point is that we have run budget deficit for many years for which the DMO has been raising funds locally and internationally to support the budget.
“The point I would like to make is that as the level of borrowings increases you have to service them so debt services increase also.
“Again, we run budget deficits because we have projects and programmes in the budget that the government wants to run. If we go back from 2015 and 2016, we know we have been through about two or three recessions. So, a lot of that bringing the economy out of recession was funded from borrowing.
“The first one was through the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the last one was during COVID. So, debt has increased and so has debt service increased.
“We usually publish the debt data every quarter. So, the most recent data we have in terms of debt stock is as at June 30th of 2023. The figure for public debt is N87.37 trillion. That is made of of external and domestic debt and it is for the Federal Government and the 36 States and FCT.
“Let me quickly add that out of the 87 trillion, about 90 percent belongs to the Federal Government. I believe because of the role the Federal Government plays, we account for the largest share.
“But we report everything because that is best practice. If you compare that figure to last year’s December, it was N46 trillion.
“So, it has grown sharply because we have borrowed…you can say in six months but also because we added the Ways and Means advances to that number. It is public. It was approved.
“The DMO’s role is to manage that debt and make sure it is sustainable and that there is no default because borrowing is not a bad thing but when you borrow you use it well.
“Debt has been growing largely from new borrowings. You see the MTEF for instance that you have approved, it has borrowings in each of the years of N8.7, N10.2 and N11.58 trillion just to buttress the point that as you increase the funds the debt stock grows.
“So, it also also growing because we have issued Promissory Notes and again like I said, Ways and Means advances. We usually like to say that debt stock relative to our GDP is not the issue.
“That has grown from 23 percent in March to about 40 percent in June. The same way the debt stock grew.
“But we need to do, to focus on debt service revenue which is very high. That is why I said the discussions about revenue, we cannot stop talking about them enough.
“So, apart from trying to generate as much revenue as we should, what else should we be doing? We are advocates for a number of initiatives being taken. Should be privatized if those projects can be better managed. You can attract capital. Do the private-public partnership so not everything is on the budget. Because when you put everything on the budget, you cannot get a deficit for which you need to borrow.
“We should strongly support the Fiscal Reform and Tax Policy Committee, we really need to get that working to change the story of us.
“For this year 2023 the DMO was to provide about N8.8 trillion, N7 trillion of that is domestic; meaning we borrow it here on naira. And then there is N1.7 trillion that ordinarily in normal times, we would have issued Euro bonds or from other sources.
“So, out of the domestic of N7 trillion as we speak, we have raised the full amount. So, you can say we have raised a significant amount to fund this budget.
“If the international markets had been covered and we were investing in counties with similar ratings like Nigeria by now we would also have issued a Euro bond.
“We have been extremely supportive of funding the budget and the operations of government,” Ms. Oniha noted.
While speaking on funding of some of the proposed infrastructural projects, she disclosed that the present administration is to ensure direct support with the SUKUK.
According to her, “This year some of that 7 trillion we issued it by way of SUKUK and you will soon begin to see the roads across the FCT.
“Having spoken to what is in the 2023 of which we have raised 7 trillion out of the 8.8 trillion. So we know that in 2024, from the MTEF there is N8.749 trillion.
“So, the levels of borrowing are still high but I think as the MTEF is a rolling document, as the picture looks better on revenues maybe the numbers would be lower.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Bichi explained that the interactive session with heads of MDAs was aimed at addressing strategies for the rising inflation, reducing the burden of Nigeria’s debt profile, sectoral budgetary allocations, and the dynamics of budget releases.
“Others are economic diversification strategies, revenue generation forecasts, and any useful information that will facilitate the enactment of the bill and effective implementation of the Appropriations Act, 2024.
“Amidst concerns to address the infrastructural gap in the country, eliminate poverty, and generally achieve the 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda, there is a need to ensure that all loose ends to revenue are tied, as this can have a gross impact on the government’s ability to implement the 2024 Appropriation Bill when passed.
“While the revised MTEF and FSP showed that revenue-generating efforts by the present administration are already yielding fruit, more needs to be done to ensure that government-owned enterprises optimize their revenue-generating potential.
“In light of the above, this interaction is designed to engage relevant stakeholders to provide insight on the perspective of the budget and enable the Committee to play its coordinating role in ensuing allocative efficiency in the 2024 appropriation process,” Hon. Bichi noted.
West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels — including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide — will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential. While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times. Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
Fidelity Bank Plc has donated firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos, reinforcing efforts to improve emergency response and promote community safety.
The donation was executed under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) by the bank’s True Serve team. Through the initiative, Fidelity Bank employees identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching financial support from the bank to implement impact-driven projects.
Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said the intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.
“Community safety is a shared responsibility. Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment,” Nwagboh said, adding that preventive measures remain more effective than emergency responses.
He noted that providing the right tools to first responders aligns with the bank’s broader goal of enabling people to live safe, meaningful, and empowered lives.
Lagos State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Controller of Fire (CF) Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, particularly as the festive season approaches amid dry weather conditions that heighten fire risks.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and warned parents against allowing children to handle fireworks during celebrations, stressing that careless handling of fire could lead to avoidable disasters.
Adebayo also disclosed that the Fire Service has intensified sensitisation visits to corporate organisations to promote fire safety and discourage unsafe practices.
Also speaking, Area Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Oswere Michael, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that it would strengthen the station’s operational capacity.
He encouraged households, businesses, and community members to prioritise fire safety, describing collective responsibility as critical to preventing fire outbreaks.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple local and international awards in recognition of its performance in digital transformation, MSME banking, and innovative financial services.
Photo – L-R: Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service, CF (Controller of Fire), Adebayo Funke; Tolulope Rojaiye, Marketing Business Partner, Fidelity Bank Plc; Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Ishola Folorunsho Olufemi; and Station Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Lagos, Okeke Ferdinand; during the donation of firefighting equipment to the Federal Fire Service at Ikoyi, Lagos, recently.
