The seven North-Western states collectively owed about ₦223.4 billion in domestic debt as of Q2 2025, according to DMO data.
Kano State ranked highest with ₦56.9 billion, accounting for roughly 25% of the zone’s total debt.
Jigawa remains the least indebted in the region and in the entire country, with only ₦852 million.
Moderate debt spread: While Kano, Zamfara, and Sokoto carried the largest debt loads, the remaining states maintained relatively conservative borrowing patterns.
The six North Central states collectively hold ₦449.4 billion in domestic debt as of Q2 2025, according to DMO data.
Kogi and Nasarawa lead in fiscal control with ₦18.8 billion and ₦23.9 billion, respectively
Both states record the lowest debt profiles in the region. Niger State’s ₦141.5 billion debt makes it the region’s most indebted, accounting for nearly one-third of the total.
The debt gap between Kogi (lowest) and Niger (highest) stands at over ₦123 billion, highlighting stark differences in fiscal management and borrowing capacity across the zone.
From recession to recovery, Nigeria’s GDP growth journey reveals three decades of economic volatility and slow transformation.
Nigeria's economy grew by 14.6% in 2002, which is still the highest in the country's history.
The country entered a recession in 2016, with the economy shrinking by -1.6%.
Nigeria enjoyed a long period of strong growth between 2003 and 2010: The economy grew between 7% and 11%, powered by high oil prices and booming sectors like telecoms and banking.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria contributed about 10% of Africa’s GDP, establishing itself early as one of the continent’s largest economies.
Nigeria’s share peaked at 31% in 1981 during the oil boom, highlighting the dramatic impact of natural resources on the economy.
Between the mid-1980s and 2000s, Nigeria’s share fluctuated significantly, dropping to 9.2% in 1999 due to political instability, economic mismanagement, and external shocks.
By 2024, Nigeria’s share fell to 7.1%, despite a GDP of $187.8 billion, showing slower relative growth compared to other African economies and the ongoing need for economic diversification.
This share reflects Nigeria’s relative position in Africa’s economy over time, showing how it moved in relation to the growth of the rest of the continent.
At independence in 1960, Nigeria contributed about 10% of Africa’s GDP, establishing itself early as one of the continent’s largest economies.
Nigeria’s share peaked at 31% in 1981 during the oil boom, highlighting the dramatic impact of natural resources on the economy.
Between the mid-1980s and 2000s, Nigeria’s share fluctuated significantly, dropping to 9.2% in 1999 due to political instability, economic mismanagement, and external shocks.
By 2024, Nigeria’s share fell to 7.1%, despite a GDP of $187.8 billion, showing slower relative growth compared to other African economies and the ongoing need for economic diversification.
This share reflects Nigeria’s relative position in Africa’s economy over time, showing how it moved in relation to the growth of the rest of the continent.
