The World Bank has restricted comments on its Instagram page following widespread backlash from Nigerians over plans by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to secure a fresh $1.25 billion loan facility.

The reactions followed reports that the Federal Government had intensified discussions with the World Bank over a new loan package aimed at supporting economic reforms and job creation.

Debt Concerns Trigger Reactions

According to figures released by the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt for both federal and state governments rose to ₦159.27 trillion as of the fourth quarter of 2025.

President Tinubu also disclosed on Tuesday that Nigeria would spend about $11.6 billion on debt servicing in 2026.

The figure represents a sharp increase compared to the $5.21 billion reportedly spent on external debt servicing in 2025, based on data from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The president stated that almost half of Nigeria’s projected revenue for 2026 would go toward debt servicing under the current global financial structure.

Nigerians Flood World Bank Page

Following the development, Nigerians stormed the World Bank’s Instagram page, urging the institution to stop approving loans for Nigeria.

Many social media users accused government officials of mismanaging and diverting borrowed funds meant for economic development.

Screenshots circulating online showed hundreds of comments from Nigerians lamenting rising inflation, economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.

“Dear @WorldBankGroup, why did you lock your comments section on Instagram? Nigerians are telling you to stop giving our criminal leaders billions in loans that only gets stolen,” one user wrote.

Others warned that continued borrowing could push Nigeria deeper into a debt crisis while allegedly empowering corrupt political elites.

“They want to give so much loan that the country won’t be able to pay back, so they can control our resources,” another user wrote.

“Stop giving Tinubu loans, he is not using it for the citizens,” another comment read.

World Bank Yet To Respond

As of the time of filing this report, the World Bank had not issued any official statement addressing the backlash or confirming whether the comment restrictions were linked to the reactions from Nigerians.

The development comes amid growing public concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the economic impact of ongoing reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration.