By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The World Bank has reportedly restricted comments on its Instagram page after a wave of criticism from Nigerians over a proposed $1.25 billion loan to Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The backlash erupted amid growing public concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the government’s increasing dependence on foreign borrowing to finance economic reforms and national projects.

Thousands of Nigerians had stormed the World Bank’s social media platforms, questioning the transparency, purpose, and long-term implications of the new loan facility as economic hardship, inflation, and cost-of-living pressures continue to bite across the country.

Experts say the decision to limit comments reflects the intensity of public frustration surrounding the proposed deal, with many citizens warning that additional loans could deepen Nigeria’s debt burden for future generations.

The Tinubu administration has defended its economic policies and borrowing plans, insisting that the funds are necessary to stabilize the economy, support development programmes, and drive structural reforms.

Nigeria remains one of the World Bank’s largest borrowers in Africa, with successive administrations relying on multilateral loans to support infrastructure, social investment, and fiscal recovery efforts.