Nigeria—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #133 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-1.9%
2031
YoY Change
+9.5%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#133
of 192 countries
Maximum
6.2%
2006
Minimum
-4.4%
2026
Last
-1.9%
Previous
-2.1%
Highest
6.2%
Lowest
-4.4%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Nigeria's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -4.4% in 2026, ranking #133 out of 192 countries. This represents a +9.5% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 6.2% (2006) and the lowest was -4.4% (2026). The IMF WEO projects -1.9% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Nigeria's fiscal balance was -3.7% of GDP in 2026, ranking 129th globally, with no change from the previous year.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -1.9% | +9.5% |
| 2030 | -2.1% | +4.5% |
| 2029 | -2.2% | +4.3% |
| 2028 | -2.3% | +20.7% |
| 2027 | -2.9% | +34.1% |
| 2026 | -4.4% | -144.4% |
| 2025 | -1.8% | -38.5% |
| 2024 | -1.3% | +58.1% |
| 2023 | -3.1% | +22.5% |
| 2022 | -4.0% | +0.0% |
| 2021 | -4.0% | +0.0% |
| 2020 | -4.0% | -21.2% |
| 2019 | -3.3% | -6.5% |
| 2018 | -3.1% | +18.4% |
| 2017 | -3.8% | -15.2% |
| 2016 | -3.3% | -22.2% |
| 2015 | -2.7% | -58.8% |
| 2014 | -1.7% | +10.5% |
| 2013 | -1.9% | -1800.0% |
| 2012 | -0.1% | -133.3% |
| 2011 | 0.3% | +110.0% |
| 2010 | -3.0% | +21.1% |
| 2009 | -3.8% | -195.0% |
| 2008 | 4.0% | +600.0% |
| 2007 | -0.8% | -112.9% |
| 2006 | 6.2% | +77.1% |
| 2005 | 3.5% | -10.3% |
| 2004 | 3.9% | +343.8% |
| 2003 | -1.6% | -260.0% |
| 2002 | 1.0% | +143.5% |
| 2001 | -2.3% | -179.3% |
| 2000 | 2.9% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -4.4% | -144.4% |
| 2027Forecast | -2.9% | +34.1% |
| 2028Forecast | -2.3% | +20.7% |
| 2029Forecast | -2.2% | +4.3% |
| 2030Forecast | -2.1% | +4.5% |
| 2031Forecast | -1.9% | +9.5% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP