Nigeria World Bank loan exposure between 2023 and 2025 is projected to reach 9.65bn dollars by the end of 2025 as fresh approvals, negotiations, and disbursements accelerate across key sectors of the economy.
An analysis of data obtained from the World Bank website shows that the figure covers only loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association. When grants are included, total World Bank support within the three year period rises to about 9.77bn dollars.
The Federal Government is expected to secure an additional 500m dollars on December 19, 2025, under the Fostering Inclusive Finance for MSMEs in Nigeria project to be implemented through the Development Bank of Nigeria. Nigeria borrowing cycle under the Tinubu administration began with 2.7bn dollars in 2023 for power sector recovery, renewable energy access, girls education, and women economic empowerment.
Loan volume surged in 2024 to 4.25bn dollars, a 57.4 percent increase. Major approvals included 1.5bn dollars for economic reform stabilisation, 750m dollars for revenue mobilisation, and 500m dollars each for rural roads, healthcare, and irrigation, including a 70m dollars grant for health.
For 2025, loans valued at 2.695bn dollars are at different stages of processing alongside 52.18m dollars in grants for broadband, education, health, and social protection. Across the three years, IDA loans account for about 7.30bn dollars, while IBRD contributes roughly 2.35bn dollars.
Reacting, Lagos based economist Adewale Abimbola said World Bank loans are largely concessionary but stressed that effective utilisation remains critical. “Borrowing is not the real problem. What matters is how well the funds are deployed to support growth and revenue,” he said.
