“What Did Our Sacrifice Buy?” Atiku Fires Fresh Debt Warning at Tinubu

Nigeria’s debt conversation has taken another dramatic turn after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on President Bola Tinubu to apologise to Nigerians over the economic hardship and explain how the country’s borrowing has reached ₦166.79 trillion. The figure, contained in the latest Debt Management Office (DMO) data for June 30, 2026, has provided fresh fuel for a political argument in which the national debt appears to be getting more attention than Nigerians’ wallets.

Atiku Wants the Debt Book Opened

Atiku, through a statement issued by his campaign communications team, questioned why government revenues could rise while borrowing continued. He demanded detailed explanations of Nigeria’s existing debts, new loans, repayments and other obligations, arguing that Nigerians deserve to know what their sacrifices have produced.

The former vice president also raised questions about Treasury Bills and specific external-debt service charges, including a reported $22.5 million charge connected to a First Abu Dhabi Bank Total Return Swap. In the satirical version of the national conversation, Nigerians may soon need calculators, accountants and perhaps a strong cup of tea just to follow the debt arithmetic.

When “Tomorrow Will Be Better” Meets Today’s Bills

Atiku argued that the real test of economic reforms should be whether ordinary Nigerians can afford food, transport, housing, education, healthcare and electricity. He linked his criticism to the consequences of fuel-subsidy removal, naira depreciation and rising living costs, while demanding that the government account for the sacrifices Nigerians have been asked to make.

The government’s economic reforms have produced changes in Nigeria’s macroeconomic picture, but the IMF has also noted that difficult conditions remain for many households. That leaves the political debate firmly centred on a familiar question: if the economic numbers are improving, when will the improvement become more noticeable in the pockets of ordinary Nigerians

For now, Atiku wants President Tinubu and the APC to apologise over the hardship and provide Nigerians with a fuller account of the country’s borrowing. Whether the next chapter brings clarification, another political counterattack or yet another round of debt arithmetic, OGM News NG will continue to watch the numbers — because ₦166.79 trillion is certainly not the kind of figure Nigerians can afford to ignore.