A coalition of civil society groups, market women, students and youth organizations has protested at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding a reduction in government borrowing and greater transparency in public-debt management.
The protesters said rising debt-service obligations were consuming resources that could otherwise support essential public services, social protection, climate action and job creation.
They called on the Federal Government to reduce reliance on loans from institutions including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund and redirect more resources towards productive sectors.
The protest formed part of activities around Climate Week of Action.
ActionAid Nigeria Social Mobilization Specialist Newton Otsemaye said the coalition was concerned about the effect of rising debt on younger Nigerians and future generations.
He argued that development policy should focus on people rather than debt-financed programmes whose social benefits were not clear.
The protesters asked the Finance Ministry to explain how government planned to manage the country’s debt trajectory without worsening poverty and unemployment.
They also called for more spending on the real economy and social services.
Otsemaye said the coalition included women’s groups, activists, youths and university students.
He argued that a high debt-to-revenue burden could reduce government’s ability to fund basic services and economic development.
The protesters urged government to strengthen accountability around borrowing and ensure that any new debt created measurable public value.
Their demands included lower borrowing, more spending on social protection and productive sectors, and stronger disclosure around debt management.
The protest adds to the wider debate over the trade-off between financing development through borrowing and protecting future public finances from excessive debt-service costs.
