Global report shows Nigeria recorded the world's highest increase in multidimensional poverty between 2021 and 2024.
Nigeria recorded the world's largest increase in the number of people living in multidimensional poverty. An additional 17.9 million Nigerians fell into poverty between 2021 and 2024, reversing earlier national gains.
Published by the United Nations Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Institute, the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index highlights a sharp rise in overlapping household deprivations.
The findings place Nigeria ahead of Afghanistan in absolute poverty growth, according to information published by punchng, raising serious concerns about declining living standards across the West African nation.
Understanding the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
Unlike traditional monetary poverty estimates that measure income or consumption, the index examines overlapping disadvantages. It evaluates deprivations in health, education, and living standards.
Individuals are classified as multidimensionally poor when they experience deprivation in at least one-third of weighted indicators. These include access to clean water, electricity, sanitation, housing, and proper nutrition.
The data reveals that Nigeria's poverty rate rose from 33.0 per cent in 2021 to 38.7 per cent in 2024. This represents an increase of 5.7 percentage points and brings the affected population to 90.07 million.
Regional Disparities and Severe Deprivations Across States
Subnational analysis shows wide gaps in deprivation levels across Nigerian states. Kebbi, Yobe, and Sokoto recorded some of the highest multidimensional poverty burdens, while Lagos registered the lowest index value.
The report notes that Yobe faces severe deprivations in nutrition and child mortality. In contrast, Sokoto struggles more intensely with a lack of access to basic water and electricity infrastructure.
Separate 2024 national estimates put the total number of multidimensionally poor Nigerians at 113.32 million. Furthermore, 28.7 per cent of the population experienced severe poverty, while 18.1 per cent remained vulnerable.
Global Comparisons and Sub-Saharan Africa Crisis
Globally, 1.2 billion people live in acute multidimensional poverty, representing 18.9 per cent of the covered population. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for the largest concentration with 616 million poor individuals.
Children under 18 bear a disproportionate burden of this global crisis. The report indicates that roughly one in every three children is multidimensionally poor, compared to one in seven adults worldwide.
These troubling trends threaten progress toward United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Experts warn that growing inequality and food insecurity are pushing vulnerable populations dangerously close to the brink.
Political Warnings on Hardship and National Stability
Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi recently warned that rising hunger and public frustration are testing national stability. He emphasized that extreme hardship severely impacts everyday life for millions.
Utomi urged citizens to defend democratic values amidst widening economic gaps between wealthy elites and impoverished households. Addressing these structural challenges remains critical for long-term national development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nigerians fell into poverty recently?
According to the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index, an additional 17.9 million Nigerians fell into multidimensional poverty between 2021 and 2024.
What is multidimensional poverty?
Multidimensional poverty measures overlapping deprivations beyond income, covering health, education, clean water, electricity, sanitation, and living standards.
Which states in Nigeria are the poorest?
States like Kebbi, Yobe, and Sokoto recorded the highest multidimensional poverty burdens, while Lagos registered the lowest index value in the country.
What percentage of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor?
The harmonized report puts the poverty rate at 38.7 per cent in 2024, while separate national estimates place the figure at 48.7 per cent of the population.
