1. DEBT RESTRUCTURING: NIGERIA’S EXPERIENCE
YAKUBU ALIYU
Portfolio Management Department
DMO, Abuja
A Presentation to Workshop on Debt, Finance, and Emerging issues
in Finance Integration, Commonwealth Secretariat, London,
March 6-7, 2006

2. Outline Stylised Facts and Context
The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Prelude
The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Process
Uniqueness of the PC Debt Exit
London Club Debt Exit
Domestic Debt Restructuring
Current Policy Thrusts
Key Challenges
Conclusion

3. Stylised Facts and Context
: Boom and Bust
External debt negligible between 1970 and 1973
oil slump leading to drop in oil revenues from US$25 billion in 1980 to US$12 billion in 1982 to US$6 billion in 1986
Wasteful consumption, ‘white elephant projects, uneconomic projects, etc. E.g. of 63 projects undertaken in the 1980s for which US$2.6 billion was borrowed only one project was viable.

4. Stylised Facts and Context
: Debt Rescheduling and Debt Reduction
Paris Club
1986 first trip to Paris Club (rescheduled US$7 billion debt in arrears)
1989 rescheduled another US$6 billion of arrears and future payments
1991 rescheduled US$3 billion
London Club
1987 and 1989: Brady Plan
1992 Brady Bonds (exchanged US$5.6 billion of commercial bank debt for US$2.1 billion of Par Bonds at a discount of roughly 60%)
1992
Nigeria’s economic policies did not meet IMF’s benchmarks
IDA status a requirement for debt reduction operation
Ballooning of Paris Club Debt: new borrowing, high interest charges, penalties and arrears.

5. Stylised Facts and Context
: The Debt Overhang
Payments to the Paris Club dropped well below scheduled amount after substantial payment in 1992.
Paris Club extended no new credit, only accumulation of arrears.
New disbursements came from the multi-lateral creditors

6. Stylised Facts and Context Table 1: Nigeria’s External Debt (US$ billions)
1985
1991
1992
1998
2004
Paris Club Creditors
7.8
17.8
16.4
20.8
30.8
Non-Paris Club
1.9
1.4
1.2
0.1
0.0
Commercial creditors
10.5
5.4
3.6
2.2
Multi-lateral creditors
1.3
4.0
4.5
4.2
2.8
TOTAL
18.9
33.7
27.6
28.8
35.9

7. Stylised Facts and Context
From 1999 debt issues elevated to high political level, raising expectations for debt cancellation.
Push for the establishment of a Debt Management Office (DMO)
Widespread sentiments on debt-preference for debt repudiation.
Significant parliamentary opposition to appropriations on debt service budget.
Difficulties in debt service deduction in respect of state governments.
the notion of “odious debts” dominates public perception: the media, civil society organisations, etc.

8. Stylised Facts and Context
Other factors that fuelled the debate on debt policy:
Considerable delay in reconciliation with creditors: application of repayment to penalties first before interest and principal.
The level of poverty in Nigeria: GNP per-capita (2003) was US$350; poverty incidence 57%; Basic infrastructure in poor shape.
MDG’s promoted by the international community.
Inability to get rescheduling of the debts on concessional terms (Naples terms); Nigeria declassified IDA-only-
Finally settled for the Houston Terms in December 2000, linked to IMF programme.

9. Stylised Facts and Context
Rescheduled amount in 2000 comprised 24% late interest; 21% interest; 48% principal; and only 7% principal balance.
Position subsequently worsened since December 2000, arrears accumulated to the tune of over US$6 billion.
Cross-currency exchange risks have added over US$5 billion to the debt stock in dollar terms since 2001, due to dollar appreciation.

10. Stylised Facts and Context
Combined external and domestic debt service exceeded Federal Capital Budget in 2004.
$1 billion paid to Paris Club in 2004, represented 70% of total (recurrent and capital) education budget and 110% of health budget (both States and Federal).Total debt stock by December 2005 was US$36 billion with US$30.8 billion or 85.82% owed to the Paris Club.
The dominance of the Paris Club debt in Nigeria’s total external debt, the failure of rescheduling arrangements to engender debt reduction, the prospects of arrears accumulation if debt relief is not secured all combined to push for a comprehensive treatment of the Paris Club debt

11. The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Prelude
Making the Case for Debt Relief for Nigeria:
Strong moral, religious, economic, geo-strategic and political arguments underpinned the quest for debt relief.
Analytical work to strengthen the case for debt relief
DSA [1] conducted by IMF indicates that Nigeria’s debt is unsustainable
A World Bank study has also indicated that even with strong economic performance and high oil prices, Nigeria cannot simultaneously meet MDGs and lower its indebtedness to manageable levels without debt relief. [2]
Oil Volatility Argument
IDA Reclassification
[1] IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis for Nigeria, 31 March, 2005
[2] World Bank Staff Report “Nigeria’s Opportunity of a Generation: Meeting the MDGs, Reducing
Indebtedness, 5th April 2005.

12. The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Prelude
Domestic front
2003: A decisive shift towards economic reform [Formulation of a Home-Grown Economic Strategy-NEEDS]. Improved political climate and disciplined economic management
March 8, 2005: The House of Representatives passed a motion asking the Federal Government to stop repayments to foreign creditors.
International front:
International developments conducive for debt reduction for middle-income countries (Argentina, Iraq, etc.)
2003: G-8 meeting in France (endorsement of “Evian Approach” which provides for a case-by-case treatments, with attention to national specifics, namely: financial capacities, economic situation and political dynamics).
UK chairmanship of G8 provided window of opportunity
G8 meeting of Minister’s in June
Paris Club endorsed G8 deal for Nigeria at extraordinary meeting (June 29, 2005)
Formalised a policy Support Instrument (PSI) with IMF as basis for engaging with the Paris Club, October, 2005.

13. The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Process

14. The Paris Club Debt Exit Strategy: Process
Financing the “exit” option. Why use of oil windfall?
Trade-off between spending on growth and poverty reduction or paying creditors and remaining in “perpetual debt trap”.
Judgment call-inter-generational issues; risk of oil price collapse; risk of misgovernance; risk of interest rates and penalties; risk of subjugation/political control by creditors; national pride; etc.

15. Uniqueness of the PC Debt Exit
Historic deal-write off of $18 billion
Biggest debt write-off in Africa.
Previous record: Congo’s $10bill write-off.
Egypt and Poland - $10-$15 bill write-off.
G-8 write off for 18 HIPC countries - $40 bill.
Major obstacles had to be overcome. Odds heavily stacked against Nigeria:
Reputational overhang; images of corruption and mismanagement;
Oil-rich country – 6th largest exporter.
High Oil prices – Calls for windfall to be shared.
Rising External Reserves

16. Uniqueness of the Exit Unprecedented deal-massive debt cancellation.
Offers a “permanent exit” option from Paris Club.
Debt relief sequenced over 6 months, as opposed to the usual 2-3 years.
First ever Paris Club debt buy-back at discount.
First ever debt deal not premised on a formal IMF Programme. Home-grown development strategy as basis for engagement.

17. Post-Paris Club External Debt Profile June 30, 2006 (in US$ million)
Debt stock down from $35 billion to less than $5 billion
Debt service payment declined to $700 million from $1.7 billion before the landmark debt deal

18. Post-Paris Club Public Debt Profile

19. London Club Debt Exit:
Following the Paris Club Debt Exit attention was shifted to the London Club Debts:
Par Bonds:
These are mainly arrears of commercial bank term loans, also include some arrears of letters of credit, bills for collection, etc. accumulated during the 1980s.
Issued in 1992, collateralized with US Treasury zero coupon bonds maturing in 2020
Interest rate of 6.25% paid semi-annually amounting to $90 million a year
Par Bond holders were issued with additional debt instruments-oil warrants
Oil Warrants
Issued along with Par Bonds.
Approximately 2 million oil warrants issued along with Par Bonds in 1992 maturing in 2020.
Semi annual interest payment subject to rise in oil price above reference price of $28 consistently for 6 consecutive months, but capped at $15.
Current payment liability amounts to $52.7 million per year

20. London Club Debt Exit: Promissory Notes
Issued through the CBN, resulting from uninsured short-term trade debt, accumulated in the early 1980s.
Verification exercise carried out by Chase Manhattan in the mid-1980s.
Original amount= $4,891.3million. Amount currently outstanding=$649.8million
quarterly payments totaling $ million a year; to be fully amortized/paid off in 2010

21. London Club Debt Exit: Two options were considered: A) Repurchase
The government will make budgetary provisions for the repurchase of Par Bonds and Promissory Notes.
Use embedded Call Option to redeem Par Bonds and Promissory Notes
Raise additional resources to retire Oil Warrants after verification process
B) Restructure
Launch 2 benchmark bond issues of 5 and 10-year maturity respectively for a total amount of US$1.5 billion.
Use the proceeds of these issues to redeem Par Bonds and Promissory Notes using their embedded call options.
Balance of proceeds contribute towards the retirement of Oil Warrants given completion of verification process.

22. London Club Debt Exit: Repurchase vs. Restructure
Reduces debt stock and leads to savings in terms of interest burden
Provides permanent exit strategy for Nigeria’s London Club debt
Allows clearing of balance sheet
RESTRUCTURE:
Reduces debt stock and leads to savings in terms of interest burden..
Restores Nigeria’s standing in the international financial markets and assist in securing S&P ratings upgrade.
Enables corporate Nigeria to have access to international capital markets
Creates a complete reshuffle of investor base.
Begins process of establishing a benchmark yield curve

23. London Club Debt Exit
The Repurchase option was eventually implemented:
Outstanding Par bonds (US$1.5 billion) were prepaid in November 2006 [Exercise call option].
Promissory Notes amounting to US$500 million were discharged [March 2, 2007].
Oil Warrants, the only remaining component-initiated the 3-phase process of redeeming these through cash tender offer launched late February, 2007.
Phase 1: reconciliation of positions in Oil Warrants
Phase 2: Tender offer through an Investment Bank
Phase 3: Inter-pleader action after the buy-back is complete

24. Domestic Debt Restructuring Domestic Debt Profile
Securitized public debt amounting to $10 billion equivalent. comprising of short term T-Bills (60%), held predominantly by CBN (60%) and financial institutions (34%), while non- bank sector (6%)
Local Contractors debt amounting to $4.2 billion equivalent, these are contractors and suppliers that have rendered various services but are being owed by the government.
Unpaid pension liabilities of over $8 billion equivalent due to retirees in the public sector, which have accumulated over the years.
Accumulated arrears on allowances due to teachers, doctors and health workers, and liabilities of Foreign Missions, amounting to over $200million.
Contingent liabilities: notable from public enterprises and agencies still undergoing verification exercise

25. Domestic Debt Restructuring Domestic Debt Profile

26. Domestic Debt Restructuring Domestic Debt Profile
Before 2003, major deficiencies:
Domestic debt stock was disproportionately short-tenored (60% in 91-day Treasury Bills).
Monetary financing of fiscal deficits
Low holding of public debt by Non-Bank Public
High rollover and Refinancing risks
Long absence of government from the capital market

27. Domestic Debt Restructuring: Restructuring of T-Bills:
Smoothen and lengthen maturity structure 91 day NTBs into longer tenored instruments:
Reduces roll-over and refinancing risks
Reduces interest rate volatility in the money market
Ensures better asset/liability match

28. Domestic Debt Restructuring: Securities Issuance:
Resuscitation of the bond market through issue of 1st FGN Bonds(N150 billion) in October, 2003.
Regular monthly issuances of long-term FGN bonds started July 2005.
In 2005: 2 and 3- year Bonds issued
In 2006: 3, 5 and 7-year Bonds issued
In 2007 :3, 5, 7 and 10-year Bonds to be issued
Issued in monthly tranches of between N20 – N30 billion.
Helps establish benchmark yield curve;
develops alternatives to monetary financing of government deficits.
Pensions Arrears and Local Contractors Liabilities: Quantify and securitise outstanding debts; cash payments for liabilities less than N100 million
Domestic Debt Service Ceilings set on domestic debt service levels for
Reduces fiscal impact of debt service costs

29. Domestic Debt Restructuring Domestic Debt Stock by Instrument, Domestic Debt Stock by Instrument, 2005

30. Domestic Debt Restructuring: Market Development
15 financial institutions (10 banks and 5 discount houses) pioneering the primary dealer/market maker (PDMM) system under general rules and regulations as specified by the DMO
engenders a liquid, vibrant and efficient secondary market through the institution of a two-way price quotes system
Strengthens market for government bonds

31. Current Policy Thrusts
The objective is to avoid a relapse into indebtedness
Borrowing from only concessional sources (IDA or near IDA terms)
Official Bilateral borrowing at up to 3% interest rate and not less than 10 years maturity.
Proposed Fiscal Responsibility Law (about to be passed by the National Assembly)
Conducting DSA on regular basis.
Focus on sub-national debt issues.

32. Current Policy Thrusts
Proposed Fiscal Responsibility Law provides among others :
an oil-price based fiscal rule which imposes permanent constraint on fiscal policy
borrowing only for capital expenditure and human development
debt to GDP ratio is held at a sustainable level
Sets limits for amounts of consolidated debt for Federal, State and Local government
Transparency & Reporting, disclosure of all transactions and decisions, public hearings in preparation of medium term economic framework, disclosure of all audited accounts by all tiers and arms of government.
Focus on effective domestic debt management and building the local debt market.

33. Key Challenges
Need to build on progress to date and institutionalise reform in order to safeguard economic stability [Deepen NEEDS].
Enhancing resource flows.
Development financing gap estimated at $4- $5 billion.
Need to increase ODA transfers.
Nigeria currently lowest aid recipient at $2 per capita compared with $29 for other African countries.
Need to design new financing strategy to ensure a coordinated approach to debt management such that the country borrows when:
Borrowing is needed
Borrowing is sustainable
Borrowing provides good value for money

34. Key Challenges
Particular challenge include: [guarantees and contingent liabilities, sub-national debt, and asset-liability management]
Need to underpin policy framework with effective operational coordination to ensure effective dent management: still there are issues with multiple players, complex relationships and blurred responsibilities; the risk of line ministries operating autonomously.
Need for effective coordination between fiscal, monetary policies: dealing with portfolio inflows and liquidity management.
Stakeholder ownership of the strategy and consensus building.
Strengthening governance and accountability framework: clearly define objectives, authorities, and accountabilities
Strengthening transparency: media and the civil society

35. Conclusion
Even after the exit from Paris Club and London Club debts overhang, the challenges of public management remain-may be, even more demanding.
Need for proactive management of the remaining external debt.
Need for a well-articulated new borrowing programme within the context of an appropriate national debt strategy
Development of the domestic bond market still at relatively early stages.
Sub-national debt management needs to be developed too, and synchronized with, the status at the Federal level.

36. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR ATTENTION