Nigeria’s total loans from the World Bank between 2023 and 2025 are projected to reach 9.65 billion dollars by the end of 2025, according to data analysed from the Bank’s website.
The amount covers lending from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). When grants are included, total support rises to about 9.77 billion dollars.
The loans reflect a steady buildup of commitments across digital infrastructure, social protection, power, education and health programmes.
The reports that the Federal Government is expected to secure an additional 500 million dollars on Dec. 19 under the Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs project, to be implemented through the Development Bank of Nigeria.
In 2023, the administration of President Bola Tinubu obtained 2.7 billion dollars in World Bank financing across four major projects, including renewable energy access, girls’ education, women’s economic empowerment and power sector recovery.
Loan approvals increased sharply in 2024, rising to 4.25 billion dollars, driven by two policy-based operations and three separate 500 million-dollar IDA investment packages. Total support, including a 70 million-dollar grant for primary healthcare, amounted to 4.32 billion dollars.
For 2025, World Bank data shows 2.695 billion dollars in loans under processing, alongside 52.18 million dollars in grants. Major allocations include 500 million dollars each for broadband expansion, basic education and livelihood support for vulnerable households.
Other proposed financing targets health security, nutrition, internally displaced persons, and procurement capacity. A 400 million-dollar IBRD component is planned for the MSME finance programme, with an additional 100 million dollars from IDA.
Across the three years, IDA loans total about 7.30 billion dollars, while IBRD accounts for approximately 2.35 billion dollars. Grants rise from zero in 2023 to 70.01 million dollars in 2024 and 52.18 million dollars in 2025.
We recalls that Nigeria’s IDA debt stock rose to 18.5 billion dollars in the third quarter of 2025, making the country Africa’s largest IDA borrower and the third largest globally.

Economists who spoke with expressed mixed views on the rising loan portfolio.
While some experts said concessional loans can support long-term growth if well utilised, others warned that increased borrowing amid reported revenue gains could worsen fiscal pressures.
They noted that high debt servicing costs were reducing funds available for public services and investment, while exchange rate risks made foreign borrowing more challenging.
Meanwhile, data from the Debt Management Office indicates that Nigeria’s external debt stood at 46.98 billion dollars as of June 30, 2025. Of this, the World Bank accounted for 19.39 billion dollars, representing 41.3 per cent of total external debt.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, recently urged the World Bank to support the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme, describing the partnership as central to the government’s efforts to build a 1-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
The World Bank Country Director, Mr Matthew Verghis, said Nigeria had taken bold reforms capable of resetting its development trajectory, and pledged continued support.
The Bank explained that loan disbursements are released in instalments based on project milestones, noting that new projects must meet agreed conditions before funds are accessed.