Fresh data has revealed a worsening poverty crisis across Northern Nigeria, with at least four states recording severe poverty rates affecting more than half of their populations.
According to the 2025 report by the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Bauchi states are the most affected, each posting rates above 50 percent.
States with Over 50% Poverty Rates
The report shows:
- Kebbi — 52.7%
- Jigawa — 52.0%
- Sokoto — 51.4%
- Bauchi — 50.8%
These figures indicate that a majority of residents in these states face multiple layers of deprivation, cutting across essential aspects of daily life.
What Severe Poverty Means
The MPI defines severe poverty as overlapping deprivations in key areas such as:
- Health
- Education
- Living standards
This means affected households often lack access to basic healthcare, quality education, clean water, and decent housing simultaneously.
North-West and North-East Dominate Poverty Rankings
Further analysis by Statisense shows that the burden of extreme poverty is heavily concentrated in the northern regions.
In the North-West:
- Zamfara — 44.7%
- Katsina — 35.2%
- Kano — 26.7%
In the North-East:
- Yobe — 43.6%
- Gombe — 40.2%
- Borno — 31.1%
Other affected states include Taraba (25.4%) and Niger (22.8%).
Deepening Regional Inequality
The report highlights a growing development gap between Northern Nigeria and other parts of the country.
Despite ongoing government interventions, analysts say structural challenges continue to limit progress in the region.
These challenges include:
- Persistent insecurity
- Weak educational infrastructure
- Low industrial development
- Limited access to economic opportunities
Experts Call for Targeted Solutions
Economists warn that without deliberate, state-specific strategies, the situation may worsen.
They argue that a one-size-fits-all policy approach will not effectively address the unique socio-economic realities across the North-West and North-East.
Instead, they recommend:
- Localised development policies
- Increased investment in education and healthcare
- Strengthening security architecture
- Expanding industrial and agricultural value chains
Impact on National Growth
The rising poverty levels pose a broader risk to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Experts note that widespread deprivation in the North could slow national growth, increase inequality, and fuel social unrest if not urgently addressed.
