Nigeria is currently facing a deepening poverty crisis that demands immediate and strategic action from all levels of government. With millions of citizens slipping further below the poverty line, experts are calling for a critical reassessment of national development priorities, Peter Obi Stated.
According to him, the recent World Bank report released in April 2025 paints a grim picture: over 75% of rural Nigerians now live in poverty, and the situation in urban areas is equally alarming, with 41.3% of the urban population also affected. This data reveals that poverty in Nigeria is no longer a rural issue—it has become a nationwide emergency.
To put this into perspective he said, just a few years ago—in 2018/2019—the World Bank estimated that 30.9% of Nigerians were living below the international extreme poverty line. By 2025, that figure has more than doubled, highlighting a disturbing trend of economic decline.
You May Also Want to Read: Nigeria’s Poverty Crisis: Political Leaders Clash Over Responsibility.
Analysts and civil society advocates point to years of misguided government spending as a key contributor to the worsening poverty levels. Despite urgent needs in healthcare, education, and economic empowerment, vast sums continue to be allocated to non-essential infrastructure like government lodges, conference centres, and official vehicles. These expenditures do little to impact the lives of ordinary citizens or foster sustainable national development.
More Read
Economic experts stress that Nigeria’s real progress lies in investing in people. Redirecting funds towards healthcare, quality education, and the empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could play a transformative role in reversing the country’s economic fortunes.
You May Also Want to Read: May Day 2025: Nigerian Workers Decry Poverty, Exploitation as NLC Slams Anti-Labour Policies.
MSMEs, in particular, remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a proven engine for job creation. By supporting them through targeted funding, policy reforms, and capacity building, the government can create sustainable income opportunities for millions and reduce dependency on social interventions.As poverty grips both rural and urban Nigeria, there’s no time left for political grandstanding. The path forward requires deliberate choices that prioritize the well-being of citizens over luxury and status projects. Only through a people-centered approach can Nigeria begin to tackle the root causes of poverty and secure a better future for its population.
