Nigeria has emerged as the country with the highest concentration of extremely poor people in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the April 2025 edition of the World Bank’s Africa’s Pulse report. The data shows that Nigeria accounts for 19% of the region’s extremely poor population, translating to over 106 million citizens living on less than $2.15 per day.

This figure represents nearly 15% of the world’s poorest individuals. Despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy, the report underscores the nation’s alarming struggle with widespread poverty and deep-rooted economic instability.

Sub-Saharan Africa Remains the Global Poverty Epicenter

The World Bank report confirms that sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry the heaviest burden of global poverty. In 2024, the region housed approximately 560 million of the world’s 695 million extremely poor people—equivalent to 80% of the global total. Within this landscape, four countries dominate the statistics: Nigeria (19%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (14%), Ethiopia (9%), and Sudan (6%). Together, these nations account for half of the region’s extremely poor population.

By concentrating poverty in just a handful of countries, the region highlights the urgent need for tailored, country-specific solutions that go beyond broad-based development rhetoric.

Extreme Poverty Continues to Expand Across the Continent

Even as some countries experience minor improvements, the overall trend remains grim. The World Bank projects that the number of extremely poor individuals in Africa will increase by 90 million between 2022 and 2027. By the end of that period, the continent will likely house 589 million people in extreme poverty, up from 576 million in 2025.

Nigeria, in particular, faces a worsening crisis. Economic analysts warn that due to inflation, currency depreciation, insecurity, and structural unemployment, an estimated 13 million additional Nigerians will fall into poverty by the end of 2025. These factors have combined to reverse any marginal gains made in recent years, pushing millions further below the poverty line.

Nigeria’s Economic Strength Fails to Lift Its People

Although Nigeria maintains the largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa, this economic strength has failed to improve the lives of most citizens. Inflation continues to erode purchasing power, while the naira’s persistent devaluation makes basic goods increasingly unaffordable. Meanwhile, insecurity across many regions has disrupted farming, commerce, and daily life, compounding poverty levels.

Unemployment, especially among young people, remains alarmingly high. Many graduates find themselves without opportunities, while millions more lack access to quality education or skills training. Without inclusive growth, economic expansion has simply widened the gap between the rich and the poor.

Multidimensional Poverty Deepens the Crisis

Beyond income poverty, millions of Nigerians face multiple forms of deprivation. According to recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics, at least 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty—lacking access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, electricity, sanitation, quality education, and decent housing.

These deprivations paint a bleak picture of life for many households. Children grow up malnourished, out of school, and without access to safe environments. Women walk long distances to fetch water, families cook with firewood due to lack of electricity, and healthcare remains out of reach for many communities. As a result, poverty in Nigeria is not just about income—it’s about persistent, overlapping hardships that rob people of dignity and opportunity.

Government Unveils Relief Measures to Cushion the Blow

In response to the worsening situation, the Nigerian government has rolled out several poverty alleviation programs. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, recently announced that the government will provide cash transfers of ₦75,000 each to 15 million of the nation’s poorest citizens by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to ease the economic pressure on the most vulnerable groups.

In addition, the Federal Government will relaunch the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP) on May 29, 2025. The program, designed to improve child nutrition and boost school attendance, will receive a ₦100 billion allocation in the 2025 budget. By sourcing food locally and empowering community vendors, the scheme also seeks to stimulate local economies.

Experts Warn That Short-Term Interventions Fall Short

While these initiatives offer immediate support, economists and development experts argue that they do not address the root causes of poverty. According to analysts, Nigeria must implement bold structural reforms to achieve sustainable progress. Without comprehensive strategies, cash transfers and feeding programs will only serve as temporary band-aids.

Experts insist that Nigeria must take several long-term steps, including:

• Diversifying the economy to reduce overdependence on oil

• Creating job opportunities for the youth and rural populations

• Investing in education and healthcare to build human capital

• Expanding rural infrastructure to improve access to markets and services

• Improving governance and accountability to curb waste and corruption

These reforms, if executed diligently, can create a solid foundation for inclusive development and lift millions out of poverty permanently.

Nigeria’s Poverty Numbers Demand Global Attention

With more than one in every seven of the world’s poorest people living in Nigeria, the country’s poverty crisis has become a global development concern. As the population continues to grow rapidly, the implications extend beyond national borders.

If the country fails to reverse current trends, it risks becoming known not only as Africa’s most populous nation but also as the global capital of extreme poverty. This scenario would pose serious threats to regional stability, economic development, and international efforts to end poverty by 2030.

Nigeria Faces a Defining Moment in Its Development Journey

The World Bank’s findings have delivered a stark warning: Nigeria must act swiftly and decisively. The choice is clear. The country can either continue to rely on short-term relief programs while poverty deepens, or it can chart a new course—one that embraces ambitious reforms and places people at the center of development.

To move forward, Nigeria must invest in its citizens, promote equity, and build systems that empower individuals to thrive. The road ahead may be challenging, but with political will, strategic planning, and consistent execution, Nigeria can turn the tide and lead Africa in both population and prosperity.