Nigeria’s subnational debt profile deteriorated further in 2025, with the combined debt stock of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rising to N4.36 trillion.
Even as Lagos maintained its position at the top with a debt profile of N1.04 trillion.
The figures are culled from the latest released data on states’ debt profile by the Debt Management Office (DMO), reflecting increased borrowing by state governments to fund infrastructure, manage fiscal gaps, and navigate a challenging macroeconomic environment.
Total debt stock of the 36 states and the FCT increased from N3.97 trillion in 2024 to N4.36 trillion in 2025, representing a 9.89% year-on-year increase.
In absolute terms, this translates to an increase of N392.41 billion, with borrowing concentrated among a few large states.
What the data is saying
The data shows a significant concentration of debt among Nigeria’s largest states, with the top 10 accounting for the bulk of total obligations, further highlighting Nigeria’s widening fiscal imbalance at the state level.
- Total subnational debt rose to N4.36 trillion in 2025 from N3.97 trillion in 2024, a 9.89% increase year-on-year.
- The top 10 most indebted states accounted for N2.96 trillion, contributing a significant 67.98% of the total debt stock, highlighting the concentration of debt among a few large states.
- The report also revealed that a large share of subnational debt is concentrated in just a handful of states — Lagos, Rivers, Delta, Ogun, and Federal Capital Territory— which together owe nearly N2.26 trillion, roughly more than half of the entire N4.36 trillion debt stock.
- Lagos stands far ahead of every other state, making up 27.97% of the total debt, more than a quarter of the total debt.
Top 10 most indebted states in Nigeria – 2025
FCT posts the fastest growth rate
The Federal Capital Territory recorded one of the most significant increases, with debt rising to N188.86 billion, representing 4.33% of total debt.
This marks a sharp 197.15% increase from N63.56 billion in 2024, translating to a N125.31 billion escalation.
While starting from a lower base, the tripling of the FCT’s debt stock reflects increased borrowing for urban infrastructure and capital projects (transport and housing), heightened capital outlays tied to Abuja’s rapid population growth.
This makes the FCT the fastest-growing debt profile among the top states and marks a structural shift in the FCT’s fiscal posture.
