Abstract:
The national debt crisis in Nigeria has become a critical concern, prompting inquiries
regarding the country's fiscal sustainability, economic stability, and governance. The Debt
Management Office (DMO)'s role in addressing Nigeria's increasing debt burden and the
challenges of accountability and transparency in debt management is the focus of this study.
Nigeria's debt profile has increased over time as a result of mismanagement of public funds,
insufficient revenue generation, and excessive borrowing. Although the DMO was established to
ensure effective debt administration, there are still concerns about the agency's capacity to
maintain fiscal discipline, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in loan utilization.
This paper evaluates the efficacy of the DMO in debt management by evaluating its policies,
strategies, and the degree to which it is consistent with global best practices. It investigates the
effects of Nigeria's debt crisis on social development, inflation, exchange rates, and economic
growth. Additionally, it underscores governance concerns, such as the inadequate supervision of
public funds, the misallocation of borrowed funds, and the restricted role of legislative bodies in
the examination of debt agreements. The study contends that Nigeria's debt crisis cannot be
resolved exclusively through debt restructuring; rather, it necessitates comprehensive fiscal
reforms, enhanced revenue generation, and rigorous accountability measures. In order to
mitigate the risks associated with increasing debt levels, it is imperative to enhance public
participation in debt discussions, strengthen the DMO's autonomy, and enforce transparency
mechanisms. The results emphasize the necessity of a sustainable debt management framework
in Nigeria that promotes economic development and financial stability while ensuring fiscal
responsibility.