Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said each Nigerian now bears an equivalent debt burden of N716,822 as the country’s total public debt rose to N166.79 trillion as of June 2026.
Atiku made the statement through his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, on Monday, amid reports that the Federal Government is seeking a fresh $1.5 billion loan from the World Bank.
The Debt Management Office (DMO) reported that Nigeria’s total debt stock stood at N166.79 trillion at the end of June 2026.
Reacting to the development, Atiku criticised the government’s borrowing strategy, arguing that the rising debt was increasing pressure on Nigerians already facing high living costs.
“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 argued that the increase had occurred amid difficulties faced by households in meeting the costs of food, petrol and electricity.
Atiku described the debt trajectory as a reflection of what he called poor economic management under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Tinubu has made today difficult and tomorrow more uncertain,” he said.
The former vice president’s comments came as the Federal Government was reportedly seeking additional financing from the World Bank, adding to the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s borrowing and debt sustainability.
Atiku has previously criticised the Tinubu administration over its economic policies and called for greater accountability in the management of public funds.