Kogi and Nasarawa post lowest domestic debt in North Central Nigeria at ₦18.8 billion and ₦23.9 billion, respectively

Key Takeaways

  • 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.

As of Q2 2025, Kogi and Nasarawa stand out in the North Central debt landscape for their fiscal restraint, maintaining domestic debts of ₦18.8 billion and ₦23.9 billion, respectively. This contrasts sharply with Niger State’s hefty ₦141.5 billion, the highest in the region. Benue (₦133.5 billion) and Plateau (₦74.4 billion) follow closely, driven largely by financing for infrastructure and public services. In total, the region’s ₦449 billion domestic debt reflects both progress in subnational financing and uneven fiscal discipline among states, with Kogi and Nasarawa emerging as the most debt-conscious performers.

Source:

Debt Management Office

Period:

Q2 2025
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