Global Nigeria must start with poverty-free Nigeria — AfDB’s Adesina

Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AFDB) has emphasised that achieving a global Nigeria must begin with eradicating poverty.

He made the clarion call during public lecture organised to commemorate General Yakubu Gowon’s 90th birthday on Friday.

Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, boasts impressive economic potential and abundant resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, iron ore, and fertile land.

However, its significant population growth rate and widespread poverty pose substantial challenges.

To become a global player, the AfDB President said Nigeria needs to address its poverty issues.

Adesina suggests that unlocking the country’s agricultural potential is crucial, as it accounts for 23.9% of Nigeria’s GDP and employs over 70% of the workforce, adding that investing in infrastructure, education, and healthcare will also be vital in reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.

“A global Nigeria must start with a poverty-free Nigeria. Today, poverty is extremely perfect in Nigeria. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its 2022 report estimated that 63% (133 million) of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor. As we speak today, 65% of the poor live in Northern Nigeria while 35% live in the South,” he opined.

According to recent reports from the World Bank, the number of Nigerians living below the national poverty line has increased sharply from 40.1 percent to 56.0 percent. The report also indicates that 129 million people are now living in poverty.

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