Poverty and welfare in Nigeria

Abstract

Poverty is widespread and severe. Using the most recent poverty indicators such as illiteracy, access to safe water, and the number of poor people; Nigeria ranks below Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia. Nigeria's Gross National Product (GNP) per capita is also lower, while purchasing power continues to decline with high inflation and increasing income inequality. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) classifies Nigeria as a country with severe child malnutrition and very high under, five mortality rates. Access to education, health, water, and housing is inadequate. Although most of the poor live in rural areas, urban poverty is also becoming an increasing concern. Recent studies indicate a worsening trend in urban welfare indicators. Nigeria faces enormous developmental challenges. Successfully meeting them is crucial for poverty reduction. Given the profile, magnitude, and dynamics of poverty in Nigeria, it is imperative that government and civil society make an unwavering commitment to poverty reduction and place it at the heart of the development strategy. Nigeria needs a renewed vision and commitment for poverty reduction. There is already a broad consensus in the country that a new approach is needed. A rapidly growing economy is essential. So too is broad participation in the growth process, which will ensure reductions in poverty. Participation in planning and implementing poverty-reduction programs can be widened and deepened through decentralization, new arrangements with community-based organizations, and with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector.