The International Monetary Fund said it will not advise Nigeria on whether to favour external or domestic borrowing. The stance was delivered on April 16 2026 by Abebe Aemro Selassie, the IMF's Director of the African Department, during a media briefing. Selassie emphasized that the priority should be overall debt sustainability rather than the source of new financing. The IMF's comment came as Nigeria continues to explore ways to fund its budget and development projects amid rising public debt. No specific recommendation was offered, leaving policymakers to decide the mix of borrowing that best aligns with long‑term fiscal health. The statement reflects the fund's broader focus on macro‑economic stability for its member states.
By refusing to pick a side, the IMF signals that Nigeria's borrowing strategy must be judged on its impact on debt ratios, not on the origin of funds. This underscores the pressure on the country's treasury to balance immediate financing needs with the risk of unsustainable debt growth. Ordinary Nigerians could feel the effects if debt levels spiral, as higher borrowing costs may translate into reduced public services or increased taxes.
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