This study examined the effect of public debt on economic growth of Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the impact of domestic debt on the economic growth of Nigeria; assessed the effect of external debt on the economic growth of Nigeria and analyzed the relationship public debt and the economic growth of Nigeria. Secondary time series data spanning thirty-seven years (1982-2018) was gathered in the study. Data gathered in the study was estimated using descriptive statistics, unit root test, Johansen co-integration test and vector error correction model. Discoveries from the study suggests that external debt exerts a negative long run and short run effect on economic growth of Nigeria and domestic debt was ascertained to exert positive long run and short run effect on economic growth of Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study suggested that policy makers should integrate appropriate measures towards ensuring suitable management of domestic debts; government should ensure that contracted national debts are directed towards encouraging investment in the country and government through necessary monitoring committees should ensure that national debts are directed toward the provision of basic amenities and services required for the development of communities and societies of the nation.
Keywords: Domestic debt, External Debt, Public Debt
