Economy
Nigeria’s debt stock surges to N142trn on weak naira
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Nigeria’s public debt profile has yet again increased by N8.02 trillion to N142 trillion as of the end of September 30, 2024 driven by the depreciation of the naira that has continued to affect the country’s cost of external obligation.
According to data published by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on Tuesday, the spike represented a 5.97 percent increase from N134.3 trillion recorded in the second quarter of 2024.
The debt, comprising external and domestic obligations, reflects the significant impact of exchange rate depreciation on external borrowings when converted to naira terms.
With the exchange rate weakening from N1,470.19/$ in June to N1,601.03/$ by the end of September, Africa’s fourth largest economy has as much as N68.88 trillion ($43 billion) as its foreign debt, accounting for 48.4 percent of the total debt stock.
In naira terms, external debt surged by 9.22 percent, rising from N63.07 trillion to N68.89 trillion within the quarter.
A more cursory look at the data showed that the Nigerian government relied more on domestic borrowings as it accounted for 51.6 percent of total debt profile, with the FGN taking N69.2 trillion and state governments having N4.2 trillion as their debt.
Domestic debt reduced by 5.34 percent in dollar terms, falling from $48.45 billion in June to $45.87 billlion in September. In naira terms, it rose by 3.10 percent from N71.22 trillion to N73.43 trillion during the period.
The Federal Government’s external debt accounted for $38.12 billion in September, up from $38.01 billlion in June, while states and the Federal Capital Territory held $4.91 billlion in external debt, a slight increase from $4.89 billion.
For domestic debt, the Federal Government’s obligations rose from N66.96 trillion to N69.22 trillion, while states and the FCT recorded a minor reduction from N4.27 trillion to N4.21 trillion.
Overall, Nigeria’s total public debt in dollar terms fell by 2.70 percent, from $91.35 billion in June to $88.89 billlion in September.
However, Nigeria’s debt stock has grown from 78.13 percent recorded in June 2024 to 78.95 percent in September 2024, defying the DMO’s self-imposed public debt ceiling of 40 percent, as outlined in the agency’s Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy.
Although the current public debt-to-GDP ratio of about 55 percent is slightly below the IMF’s 60 percent benchmark for emerging market countries, the nation’s weak revenue profile and FX volatility risks could further escalate debt levels, straining the already strained economy.
Rising public debt means elevated debt-to-service cost. The rising debt profile, particularly in naira terms, raises concerns over debt sustainability, especially with the exchange rate volatility driving up the local currency cost of external obligations.
Analysts have expressed concerns over the rising debt levels, warning that it could trigger a debt crisis for a country that’s reeling from its worst cost of living crisis in a generation.
While the exchange rate has begun to show reduced volatility due to the various central bank’s policies, analysts believe that the proposed tax reforms, if passed, might help Nigeria boost its revenue base and lower borrowings.
Credit: Businessday NG.
…eyes big pie in telecom sector
Swift Telephone Network Limited, STN, has announced the award of a Unified Access Service Licence, UASL, by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, as it joins Nigeria’s fast growing telecoms industry.
The milestone marks STN’s formal evolution from its early beginnings as a telephone call service operating under an umbrella structure, into an independent Nigerian telecommunications company positioned to build the next generation of digital infrastructure in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of STN, Oluwole Adetuyi said: “This UASL is not just a licence. It is a new chapter. It represents where we started, what we have endured, how we have evolved, and where we are going. We are building in Nigeria, for Nigeria.”
STN’s journey mirrors the story of Nigerian enterprise. From humble beginnings providing basic telephony, the company has endured changing economic conditions, evolving regulations, and market challenges.
Through perseverance and adaptation, STN has transformed into a full-service operator ready to compete and create value at scale.
The UASL grants STN the ability to provide a full range of telecommunications services such as voice, data, and access across Nigeria.
Reflecting on the resilience of STN, Adetuyi said this milestone reinforces a larger truth about Nigerian businesses to stand the test of time.
“They can evolve, compete globally, and build institutions of lasting value from Nigeria. At a time when the digital economy is central to national growth, STN is proof that local ambition, backed by resilience, can deliver world-class infrastructure”, said Adetuyi.
As STN enters this new phase, the company is committing to building a truly Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem.
Some of the key pillars of the telecom firm include, “Investment in skills development and training for Nigerian engineers, technicians and digital professionals; Prioritising partnerships with Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors across the value chain as well as collaborations with global technology partners to deepen indigenous technical capabilities.
Other key areas, according to the company, include infrastructure development, as it intends to roll-out telecommunications infrastructure to expand access and bridge the digital divide and creation of direct employment and opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs in distribution, retail and support services, including increasing Nigerian ownership and leadership in the telecoms value chain.
“Our ambition is simple: to help build Nigeria’s digital economy from the ground up,” Adetuyi said.
He added: “This licence gives us the platform. Nigerian talent, Nigerian partners, and Nigerian innovation will give us the momentum.”
Director,Legal and Regulatory Services,Mrs Yetunde Okafor,explained further that “STN will in the coming weeks announce strategic partnerships, infrastructure rollout plans, and programmes to engage investors and stakeholders as it begins commercial operations under the UASL.”
Swift Telephone Network Limited is an independent Nigerian telecommunications company.
Okafor said “from its origins as a telephone call service, STN has evolved into a UASL-licensed operator committed to building resilient, inclusive, and innovative digital infrastructure for Nigeria.”
Recall that the UASL issued by the NCC authorises the holder to provide a comprehensive range of telecommunications services including fixed, mobile, voice and data services across Nigeria.
Dangote Refinery-backed MRS filling stations have reduced their petrol pump price.
A market survey by DAILY POST on Monday showed that MRS filling stations in Abuja had adjusted their petrol pump price to N1,370 per litre from N1,395 per litre.
This represents a reduction of N25 per litre.
The new price has been implemented at MRS filling stations in Katampe and along the Lugbe Expressway in Abuja.
The development comes a week after Dangote Refinery reduced its gantry petrol price to N1,325 per litre from N1,350.
With the latest downward adjustment, petrol now sells for between N1,370 and N1,450 per litre in Abuja and its environs.
The price reduction by MRS filling stations could signal a possible downward adjustment by other filling stations, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, which rely on petrol from Dangote Refinery.
The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 28th September 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.
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The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.
The exchange rate fluctuates hourly based on the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 28th September 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1385 and buy at ₦1375 on Monday, 28th September, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1385
Buying Rate ₦1375
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1329
Lowest Rate ₦1328
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