The presidency has debunked a report by Bloomberg claiming the country had delayed coupon payments on its savings bonds, affirming that all financial obligations are being met on schedule.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle, @aonanuga1956, described the report as incorrect.
According to Onanuga, finance minister, Wale Edun, confirmed that Nigeria has sufficient liquidity to meet all its obligations and does not owe anyone at the moment.
He said Edun affirmed that the country has enough funds to meet its financial commitments, with no outstanding payments.
He said Edun’s position was corroborated by Patience Oniha, Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO).
Oniha said the Central Bank of Nigeria had processed all due payments as of September 19, with the payment due September 20 also being processed.
“Bloomberg is not correct with this report. Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, says that Nigeria does not owe anyone at the moment.
“We have enough liquidity to meet all our obligations. We do not have any outstanding payments.
“Director General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, also confirms that, as of September 19, the Central Bank of Nigeria has processed all due payments.
“The payment due today, September 20, is also being processed for payment”, Onanuga said.
Bloomberg’s report alleged that Nigerian authorities had failed to make timely coupon payments on two savings bonds, citing “system and processing issues” as the cause for the delay.
Bloomberg’s article claimed this was the second such delay in two months, involving coupon payments on two- and three-year debt sold in June, totaling ₦4.2 billion ($2.56 million).
