Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm over Nigeria’s escalating poverty rate, warning that it threatens national stability and human dignity.
In a post on X marking the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Saturday, Atiku lamented that Nigeria has become one of the countries most severely impacted by poverty.
“Poverty is humanity’s greatest enemy. Wherever it takes root—whether in an individual’s life or across society—it fuels disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,” he wrote.
He urged for deliberate, people-centered strategies to eradicate poverty, emphasizing that every Nigerian must contribute to the solution.
“In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty. That’s why my advocacy for targeted, inclusive solutions remains strong. At all levels—government and community—we must bring the fight against poverty to every home, school, and neighborhood. When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside,” Atiku said.
The former vice president stressed that overcoming poverty is key to restoring freedom and dignity for all citizens.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that 63 percent of Nigerians—about 133 million people—are multidimensionally poor, with food insecurity, poor education, and inadequate healthcare driving the crisis.
Similarly, a World Bank report lists Nigeria among 39 countries experiencing rising poverty and hunger due to conflict, inflation, and economic instability.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment also ranks Nigeria as one of the world’s poorest nations by GDP per capita.
