Alarming Statistics Reveal Deepening Poverty Crisis In Nigeria

Alarming Statistics Reveal Deepening Poverty Crisis In Nigeria

Startling data from the World Poverty Clock has shed light on the dire situation faced by millions of Nigerians. The latest figures indicate that a staggering 71 million people in Nigeria are living in extreme poverty, as reported in the 2023 data. These findings have been brought to the forefront by Tonye Cole, the governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State. Cole made these revelations during the Nigeria Zero Hunger Symposium, organized by the T200 Foundation to commemorate World Hunger Day, where he also unveiled a comprehensive hunger report for Nigeria.

Drawing attention to the gravity of the situation, Cole highlighted that the National Bureau of Statistics has classified 133 million Nigerians as multidimensionally poor. The scale of poverty in the country is a cause for concern, particularly as the United Nations estimates that over 10,000 children and 25,000 individuals worldwide lose their lives every day due to hunger-related causes. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to develop a practical, sustainable, and easily implementable poverty eradication model that can be steadfastly adhered to over time.

Cole expressed his concern, stating, “Nigeria has the unfortunate distinction of being the world capital of poverty, with 71 million people living in extreme poverty today, according to the World Poverty Clock’s 2023 data. Additionally, a total of 133 million people are classified as multidimensionally poor based on the National Bureau of Statistics’ findings. This means that approximately 828 million people wake up each day without knowing when or where their next meal will come from, and many will go to bed hungry. A 2021 UN report highlights that out of these 828 million people, 25,000 will die today, including over 10,000 children.”

To combat this critical issue, Cole emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to design a simple, implementable, and sustainable poverty eradication model that can be consistently applied. He stressed that addressing contributing factors to hunger, such as violence, weak government structures, and healthcare systems, is of utmost importance. Tackling these challenges is not only crucial for eradicating hunger but also for the overall progress and development of the country.

Furthermore, Cole lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government for its potential to bolster democratic institutions, which in turn will yield dividends for the Nigerian people. By strengthening governance, promoting stability, and implementing effective policies, the government can play a pivotal role in addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger in the nation.

The T200 Foundation’s hunger report revealed a deeply concerning Global Hunger Index score of 27.9 for Nigeria, indicating a serious hunger problem. Notably, there are significant variations in the score across different states within the country. Yobe State ranks highest on the hunger index with a score of 44.2, followed closely by Sokoto State with a score of 42.1. Other states facing significant challenges include Zamfara, Kebbi, and Jigawa, all of which have high rates of undernourishment and child wasting.

Ambassador Emmanuel Osadebay, the Executive Director of the T200 Foundation, emphasized the need for collaboration among various stakeholders to combat hunger effectively. He called for concerted efforts to align with the Sustainable Development Goals and work towards ending hunger in Nigeria by 2030. Only through collective action and a comprehensive approach can the nation successfully confront this pressing issue and pave the way for a brighter future.