Neglect of growth, poverty, inequality trio behind Nigeria’s devt woes — Don

A don in the of Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Professor Taiwo Timothy Awoyemi, has warned that Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development will remain elusive unless the country decisively confronts endemic poverty, rising inequality and low economic growth, particularly in rural areas.

The scholar made this assertion while delivering the 610th inaugural lecture of the institution on behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture, noting that poverty in the rural sector, especially among women, continued to undermine the effectiveness of government interventions.

He said poverty alleviation policies could not yield meaningful results as long as a significant proportion of rural dwellers remained trapped in deprivation, stressing that women play a critical role in agricultural productivity and household welfare.

Speaking about the theme of lecture,  ‘Nigeria in Persistent Struggle: Nuisance of Unfaithfulness to the Trio of Economic Development,’ the Development Economics researcher, said it  formed part of an evolving body of research in agricultural economics and built on the eight-lecture series focused on agriculture and development, which collectively examined pathways to sustainable development in Nigeria.

Awoyemi observed that Nigeria’s persistent socio-economic challenges are rooted in what he described as “unfaithfulness to the trio of economic development”—poverty reduction, inequality control and sustained growth, adding that successive governments have failed to maintain consistency in addressing these interconnected issues.

The don explained that Nigeria’s growth trajectory has been marked by volatility, limited inclusiveness and weak transmission of economic gains to the broader population, thereby worsening living conditions for many citizens.

Citing recent statistics, he noted that although inequality levels have slightly declined in recent years, Nigeria still ranks among countries with a wide gap between the rich and the poor, alongside increasing economic polarization.

He further highlighted structural challenges such as rapid population growth, which continues to outpace economic expansion, warning that this trend could deepen poverty levels if not properly managed.

The country’s population, estimated at 240.7 million as of early 2026, he projected to exert further pressure on resources, with forecasts suggesting that a significant proportion of Nigerians could still be living in poverty by 2030 despite positive GDP growth.

The professor also drew attention to stark regional disparities, noting that poverty remains significantly higher in the northern region compared to the South, largely due to educational deficits, infrastructure gaps and limited economic opportunities.

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He added that rural-urban inequality remains pronounced, with rural dwellers facing harsher living conditions and limited access to basic services, thereby widening the development gap.

On sectoral performance, he explained that while growth has been concentrated in capital-intensive industries such as oil and gas, agriculture remains the largest employer and has greater potential to reduce poverty if properly harnessed.

The don identified policy inconsistency, insecurity and weak institutional frameworks as major impediments to development, noting that frequent policy reversals and conflicting government actions have hindered long-term progress.

He also linked insecurity in parts of the country to declining agricultural productivity, rising food prices and increased involvement of youths in criminal activities, describing the situation as a cycle that reinforces poverty and inequality.

To address these challenges, the scholar recommended a shift towards pro-poor growth strategies that prioritise inclusiveness and equitable distribution of resources, rather than growth figures alone.

He called for deliberate policies to reduce inequality through targeted social spending, improved access to education and infrastructure development in disadvantaged regions.

The professor further advocated the strengthening of the middle class, increased investment in agriculture, and the adoption of gender-responsive policies that address barriers faced by women in accessing land, finance and extension services.

He emphasised the need for policy stability, effective implementation and stronger monitoring mechanisms, alongside the institutionalisation of data-driven decision-making to guide national planning.

The lecturer concluded that sustainable development in Nigeria requires a committed and consistent approach to economic growth, inequality reduction and poverty eradication, warning that neglecting any of these pillars would continue to undermine national progress.