The Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) convened a webinar to examine Nigeria’s growing public debt beyond the headline figures. The conversation brought together experts to explore where borrowed funds go, how effectively existing oversight institutions work, and what the country’s debt burden means for citizens.
The discussion looked at legislative oversight, debt disclosure, institutional accountability, debt servicing and the connection between borrowing and development outcomes. Panellists also considered the questions citizens should be asking about government borrowing, including who Nigeria borrows from, the terms and collateral attached to loans, and when they will be repaid.
A key theme throughout the webinar was that borrowing itself is not the only issue. The real test is whether citizens can see where borrowed money goes, understand the terms, and hold institutions accountable for what the borrowing delivers.
Download the Webinar Recap
Missed the conversation or want to revisit the key insights?
We have compiled the major questions, perspectives and reform priorities from the webinar into a concise Webinar Recap.
The recap highlights four areas identified during the discussion: stronger oversight, earlier publication of debt plans, simpler public disclosure and better enforcement of existing laws.
Download the full webinar recap and catch up on the conversation.
The Centre for Inclusive Social Development (CISD) is a non-profit research and advocacy organisation working to advance inclusive governance, gender and social equity, civic technology, and sustainable livelihoods across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Through rigorous research, coalition-building, and public-interest storytelling, CISD amplifies the voices of marginalised communities and holds power accountable.
Learn more at cisdnigeria.org or follow us on social media.
How to cite this article
CISD. (2026, September 21). Nigeria’s Public Debt: Transparency, Accountability and the Path to Sustainable Development. CISD Insights. Centre for Inclusive Social Development. Retrieved from https://cisdnigeria.org/article/nigerias-public-debt-transparency-accountability-and-the-path-to-sustainable-development/.
