71 million Nigerians extremely poor says ANEEJ

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has said a 2023 data from the World Poverty Clock has pegged the number of extremely poor Nigerians at 71 million adding that approximately 133 million people live in multidimensional poverty according to National Bureau of Statistics data.
ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor who stated this at the National Conference on Social Investment program in Abuja said approximately 63 percent of Nigerians experience a range of deprivations that underscore the urgency of robust intervention.
He said the sudden removal of fuel subsidy only increases the numbers exponentially as the cost of living is at a very worrisome level, noting that it is one of the worse, since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
According to him, “the current economic hardship caused by impact of COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine war and the removal of fuel subsidy that has led to an uncontrollable increase in dollar to naira exchange rate has continued to put Nigerians in shock over uncertainties on the prices of food, goods and services due to inflation.
“This has further pushed more people into poverty as the statistics of such persons are yet to be documented and obviously justifies the need for further action and increased investment in social protection programs to cushion the effect of poverty on Nigerians, particularly the vulnerable population”.
“To address the increasing poverty level in Nigeria, the Federal Government designed several interventions such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), an ambitious effort aimed at improving the lives of the most vulnerable citizens.
“The NSIP often lauded as one of the Africa’s largest social protection programme, is a beacon of hope for millions. With an annual allocation of exceeding $1 billion, this programme has transcend mere budgetary figure; it symbolizes our shared commitment to uplifting the less fortunate and creating a stronger, more equitable society”
He also said the Enhancing Social Protection Policies in Nigeria (ESPPIN) project emerged as a civil society effort to complement the efforts of both the national and sub-national governments in tackling poverty.