Adeyemi Adeniran, the statistician-general of the federation and CEO of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), has urged stakeholders to take decisive action to eradicate poverty in Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ technical dialogue on the ‘Operationalisation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) as a Policy Tool in Nigeria’ in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Adeniran highlighted the severe poverty situation in the country.
According to results from the 2022 MPI survey, Nigeria has 133 million citizens living in multidimensional poverty, despite its vast resources and potential for exponential growth.
Mr Adeniran emphasized that poverty in Nigeria extends beyond mere lack of income, encompassing deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
“The MPI has given us a clear picture of what is happening in Nigeria. It has shown us that poverty in Nigeria is not merely a lack of income but a deprivation of health, education, and living standards.
“It is a daily struggle for clean water, adequate nutrition, safe housing, and quality education for all genders and demography. But we have an opportunity to change the situation we are in,” he said.
He stressed the need for immediate action based on the critical areas highlighted by the MPI report.
“We can no longer afford to look away. The MPI report has illuminated a clear path for strategic recommendations to lift millions out of poverty. We need your support and your contribution can turn these recommendations into reality,” he stated.
Mr Adeniran also pointed out the lack of adequate funding for proposed poverty eradication programs.
“The urgency we need to put in place programmes and projects to eradicate poverty is very urgent now.
“Every second we delay to tackle this poverty, another child loses their chance for a better life, and another family struggles to make ends meet,” he warned.
He called on international donor agencies, development banks, philanthropists, business leaders, policymakers, and every Nigerian to contribute to the fight against poverty.
“Our collective action is crucial in changing this narrative. Investing in these programmes is an investment in the future and our testament to our shared vision of a Nigeria where every citizen can live in dignity and opportunity,” Mr Adeniran added.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a prominent figure within the ruling All Progressives Congress, has pointed to poverty and lack of economic opportunities as the primary factors driving insecurity in northern Nigeria.
In a statement released to journalists, Mumuni emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to effectively address the issue, proposing various solutions to tackle the root causes of insecurity in the region.
Mumuni, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change in Lagos state, highlighted the pervasive influence of poverty and economic disenfranchisement in fostering a conducive environment for insecurity to thrive.
