The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has lamented the rising level of poverty in Nigeria, saying millions of citizens are struggling to afford food, access healthcare and meet their basic needs.
Obi made this known in a statement shared on his X account to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, where he criticised the country’s worsening economic conditions and called for urgent measures to improve the living standards of Nigerians.
He cited figures indicating that Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 56.2 per cent in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach 63 per cent in 2026.
According to him, the figures reflect a country moving backwards despite its abundant human and natural resources.
“The rising poverty rate, from 40.1 per cent in 2019 to 56.2 per cent in 2023 and an estimated 63 per cent in 2026, shows how a country can move progressively backwards while those in authority appear unconcerned,” Obi said.
He questioned the value of economic growth if ordinary citizens continued to experience hunger, insecurity and difficulties accessing essential services.
“What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?” he asked, adding that progress should be assessed by how much people’s lives improve.
The former Anambra State governor also suggested that the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty could serve as an occasion for national reflection rather than celebration, given the hardship faced by many Nigerians.
He urged the government to demonstrate greater concern for vulnerable citizens and take practical steps to reverse the trend.
Obi argued that poverty was not inevitable, identifying competent leadership, prudent management of public resources and investment in education and healthcare as important measures for addressing the challenge.
He also called for stronger support for agriculture and small businesses, saying these sectors could contribute to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty.
“Poverty is not Nigeria’s destiny. With competent leadership, prudent management of public resources, investment in education and healthcare, and support for agriculture and small businesses, we can reverse this trend,” he said.
Obi concluded by expressing optimism that Nigeria could build a society in which citizens have access to basic necessities and live with dignity.
“A new Nigeria where no citizen goes to bed hungry and where every citizen lives in dignity is possible and OK,” he added.
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