The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says 133 million Nigerians are poor.
The statistical office disclosed this at the launch of its National Multidimensional Poverty Index report on November 17.
According to the NBS said that 63 per cent of Nigerians were poor due to a lack of access to health, education, living standards, employment and security.
The report indicated that 65 percent of poor people (86 million) live in the north, while 35 percent (about 47 million) live in the south.
“High deprivations are also apparent in sanitation, time to healthcare, food insecurity and housing,” said Semiu Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of the NBS.
“Multidimensional poverty is higher in rural areas, where 72 percent of people are poor, compared to 42 percent of people in urban areas.
“Approximately 70 percent of Nigeria’s population live in rural areas, yet these areas are home to 80 percent of poor people; the intensity of rural poverty is also higher: 42 percent in rural areas compared to 37 percent in urban areas.”
Meanwhile, the Muhammadu Buhari-led government says it would lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty between 2020 – 2030 through its social investment programmes.
