The World Bank has reportedly disabled comments on its Instagram page after a wave of reactions from Nigerians protesting a proposed $1.25 billion loan to the country.
The online backlash followed growing public concern over Nigeria’s rising debt profile under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Many social media users flooded the World Bank’s comment section with messages urging the institution to halt the proposed loan, arguing that Nigeria’s increasing debt burden has become unsustainable.
Critics pointed to figures showing that Nigeria’s national debt has risen from about N49.85 trillion to N159.28 trillion since Tinubu assumed office, fueling concerns about continued borrowing and its long-term impact on the economy.
The reactions reportedly became so intense that the World Bank restricted public comments on its Instagram platform.
The development reflects growing frustration among many Nigerians over the country’s economic challenges, rising cost of living, and concerns about how borrowed funds are managed and utilized.
As of the time of reporting, neither the World Bank nor the Nigerian government had issued an official statement directly addressing the online protest or the decision to disable comments.