Government Expenditure: Nigeria

Analysis# Nigeria Government Expenditure Nigeria's government expenditure stands at 12.845% of GDP in 2026, approaching its all-time peak of 13.023% recorded in 2004. Over the past two decades, spending has declined by 1.4% relative to GDP, though recent years show a significant reversal. The country hit its lowest point at 6.931% of GDP in 2016, before entering a sustained upward trajectory. A dramatic shift occurred between 2022 and 2026, with expenditure rising from 10.612% to 12.845%—a gain of 2.233 percentage points in just four years. This acceleration reflects increased fiscal commitments during a period of economic pressures and structural reforms. The consistent upward trend from 2022 onward suggests Nigeria is maintaining elevated spending levels, positioning 2026 expenditure near its historical maximum.