Katsina Times
The latest report released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) of Nigeria has revealed that Katsina State ranks among the states with the lowest domestic debt burden in the country. According to the data, Katsina's domestic debt as of March 31, 2025, stood at ₦23.26 billion far below that of most other states in the federation.
The report, which covers the domestic debt profiles of all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), places the total subnational domestic debt stock at ₦3.869 trillion.
Breakdown of Debt Figures
Lagos State tops the chart with the highest domestic debt at ₦874.03 billion, followed by Delta State with ₦204.72 billion and Ogun State with ₦190.13 billion. On the other end of the spectrum, Katsina, Jigawa (₦1.06 billion), and Kebbi (₦15.09 billion) are among the least indebted states domestically.
Other northern states such as Sokoto (₦52.07 billion), Yobe (₦103.98 billion), and Zamfara (₦57.71 billion) show moderate debt levels, reflecting varied borrowing patterns across regions.
Regional Overview
The North-West region, which includes Katsina, largely maintains relatively low domestic debt levels, with the exception of Kaduna (₦259.01 billion), which recorded one of the highest figures nationwide.
Kano State, a major economic hub in the north, has a domestic debt stock of ₦93.18 billion.
Rivers State Data Lags Behind
The DMO notes that the domestic debt figure for Rivers State, which stands at ₦364.93 billion, was based on records as of December 31, 2024, rather than the March 2025 reporting date used for other states.
FCT’s Position
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had a domestic debt stock of ₦67.11 billion.
The combined domestic debt of Nigeria’s subnational governments reflects ongoing borrowing to finance infrastructure and governance. However, experts warn that excessive domestic borrowing may place pressure on state budgets, especially in the face of declining revenue allocations.
The DMO emphasized that the figures were compiled from officially signed data submitted by each state government, ensuring reliability and transparency.
As states continue to navigate economic challenges, Katsina's relatively low domestic debt may offer it more fiscal flexibility, especially in delivering critical social and infrastructure services without a heavy repayment burden.
Total Domestic Debt Stock (March 2025): ₦3.869 Trillion
Katsina State: ₦23.26 Billion
Data Source: Debt Management Office Nigeria
