…Says Poverty Level A National Disgrace
ActionAid Nigeria has expressed concern over the poverty crisis in the country, calling it a national disgrace.
- Advertisement -
In a press statement signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, it reads, “ActionAid Nigeria is deeply concerned, yet unsurprised, by the grim projections from the World Bank’s April 2025 Africa’s Pulse report, which forecasts a 3.6 percentage point increase in Nigeria’s poverty rate by 2027.
“The warning only validates what citizens, civil society organisations, and Development Actors have long raised: poverty in Nigeria is not a mystery.
“The deepening poverty in Nigeria remains a direct result of deliberate policy choices and persistent governance failures and a weak accountability system that has promoted and bridged corruption across all levels of government.
“The World Bank report classifies Nigeria as a resource-rich but fragile state, where poverty is expected to worsen due to structural and institutional weaknesses; the country is home to over 106 million people surviving on less than $2.15 a day, accounting for nearly 15% of the world’s extremely poor.
“This is not just a statistic; it is a national shame. It is a slap in the face of a country that has every resource to provide a life of dignity for all its people but instead continues to serve the interests of a few.
“This extends beyond the Federal Government, implicating state and local governments as well.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, noted that, “Governance remains Nigeria’s greatest obstacle.
According to him, “The World Bank has clearly highlighted the country’s poor performance on governance indicators such as government effectiveness, accountability, and political stability, which remain among the weakest in Africa.
“Public institutions continue to fail in managing resources and delivering basic services, which is also widening the trust deficit between citizens and government. Institutions like the National Assembly, Judiciary, and others, who are supposed to hold the government accountable and ensure resources are available for the people, are rather making routine approvals and focus on issues that do not support the populace. While poverty deepened, the federal, state governments and lawmakers prioritised luxury over lives, budgeting billions for new SUVs and renovation of offices.
“President Tinubu’s administration has continued to sidestep meaningful structural reforms, pushing social protection rhetoric that barely scratches the surface, while ignoring the real cries of the people.”
Mr. Mamedu added that, “Civic space is shrinking fast, and citizens or activists who dare to speak out are silenced, intimidated, or detained.
“The burden of survival continues to fall hardest on women, youth, persons with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. So, the World Bank is right to raise the alarm, but Nigerians have been raising it long before now.
“We have marched on the streets, issued policy briefs, held dialogues, and engaged the various government arms but the government, especially the Presidency and National Assembly continues to act with impunity. Insecurity remains rampant, with banditry, terrorism, and communal clashes in various parts of the country, affecting farmers, students, especially girls and communities.
“Let it be clear: the current trajectory will only fuel further migration, brain drain, instability, and disillusionment. Nigeria is at risk of becoming the global capital of extreme poverty, despite being Africa’s largest economy.”
“ActionAid Nigeria calls on all Nigerians to rise and hold the government at various levels accountable. The time to be silent has passed. While the government may claim economic progress, the reality is that the rich are getting richer, benefiting from policies like those in the banking sector where profits have soared to 3.41 trillion, while the poor are getting poorer.
“This is not inclusive growth. Reforms must ensure that the most vulnerable benefit.
“ActionAid Nigeria is calling on the Federal Government to stop playing politics with people’s lives and fully strengthen and expand social protection, including universal cash transfers and food support for the most vulnerable.
“Subsidise and protect small holder farmers by tackling insecurity and ensuring access to markets, inputs, and tools to boost local food production.
“Scrap all non-essential public spending particularly the outrageous allocations to government officials’ lifestyles and channel funds to education, healthcare, and job creation.
“Stabilise the economy through transparent and people-centred fiscal and monetary policies that protect the purchasing power of citizens.
“End the assault on civic space and truly listen to Nigerians.
Ensure education is safe and accessible for all, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.
“Invest in infrastructure and industries that promote inclusive, sustainable employment. The statement reads
