NIGERIA’S ESCALATING POVERTY CRISIS: A CALL FOR URGENT ACTION.
….OBI AND ADESINA’S PLEA: ACT NOW TO SAVE NIGERIA’S FUTURE
Nigeria faces a dire humanitarian and economic crisis, with the country holding the unenviable position of having the most malnourished children in Africa and the second highest globally, according to UNICEF. This alarming statistic is compounded by the World Bank’s April 2025 report, which paints a grim picture of poverty’s grip on the nation. The report reveals that 75.5% of rural Nigerians and 41.3% of urban dwellers live below the poverty line, with over 54% of the population—approximately 120 million people—struggling to survive in abject poverty. This represents a staggering increase of 42 million people since 2018/19, when the poverty rate stood at 30.9%. The crisis disproportionately affects children, with 72.5% of those aged 0–14 living in poverty, and education levels further exacerbate the divide: 79.5% of Nigerians without formal education are poor, compared to just 25.4% of those with tertiary education.
The roots of this crisis are deeply structural. Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil exports has left its economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations, while persistent inflation erodes purchasing power. Low job creation, particularly in non-agricultural sectors, stifles economic mobility, and chronic underinvestment in education and infrastructure perpetuates a cycle of poverty. These systemic issues demand comprehensive reforms, yet the government’s response has often been inadequate, with the Presidency seemingly in denial about the severity of the situation.
The World Bank’s findings should serve as a wake-up call. The fact that 75.5% of rural dwellers now live below the poverty line underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in rural areas, where access to basic services like healthcare, education, and clean water remains almost nonexistent. Urban poverty, while less severe at 41.3%, is equally concerning, as rapid urbanization strains city resources and fuels inequality. The high poverty rate among children is particularly alarming, as it threatens to entrench intergenerational poverty, with malnourishment undermining physical and cognitive development.
Voices of reason, such as Peter Obi and Akinwumi Adesina, have offered actionable solutions to Nigeria’s economic free fall, yet their advice is often met with derogatory dismissal rather than serious consideration. A responsive government would engage and interrogate the ideas offered by these well-meaning, highly intelligent Nigerians and such to craft policies that address the root causes of poverty. For instance, diversifying the economy beyond oil, investing in education and vocational training, and prioritizing infrastructure development could create jobs and reduce inequality. Additionally, social safety nets that are designed to reduce inequality and poverty must be driven by publicly verifiable data and targeted nutritional programs are critical to alleviating child malnutrition and breaking the poverty cycle.
For Nigeria to reverse its downward trajectory, the government must act decisively. This includes heeding the advice of experts, fostering inclusive dialogue, and implementing evidence-based policies. The World Bank’s data and UNICEF’s findings are not mere statistics—they represent millions of lives at stake. Denial is no longer an option; Nigeria’s future depends on bold, collective action to rescue its people from the brink of despair.
Nigeria’s poverty and malnutrition crisis is a national emergency that demands urgent, coordinated efforts. By addressing structural inefficiencies, valuing the contributions of its brightest minds, and prioritizing the well-being of its children, Nigeria can chart a path toward sustainable development. The time for excuses has passed—action is needed now to restore hope and dignity to millions of Nigerians.
Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP
