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Nigeria’s economy may be expanding, but millions of its citizens especially in rural areas aren’t feeling the impact as a result of poverty. In 2024, the country recorded a 3.4% GDP growth, its strongest performance since 2019 (aside from the COVID-19 rebound in 2021).
Yet, rather than lifting people out of hardship, the economic uptick has been followed by a steep rise in poverty levels.
The World Bank, while applauding the government’s economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, exchange rate liberalisation, and higher interest rates also raised concern over Nigeria’s worsening poverty crisis.
As of 2024, nearly 46% of Nigerians are considered poor, a sharp jump from the 31% reported before the pandemic. In rural areas, the reality is more alarming: over 75% of people live on less than $2.15 per day.
It’s clear that growth at the top is not trickling down. The focus must now shift from broad economic reforms to direct, people-centered policies. Here are some key policies that could help tackle Nigeria’s rural poverty problem:
Build Local Capacity and Empower Rural Talent
Rural Nigerians are not lazy. They are creative, hardworking, and full of ideas. What they lack is access, y7o897iaccess to tools, education, training, finance, and even land. Without these, their productivity remains low and their potential untapped.
The government must invest in building basic infrastructure for learning and entrepreneurship. This includes expanding rural schools, offering technical and vocational training, and providing affordable financing for small-scale businesses.
Policies should also support each rural community based on its unique strengths whether in farming, crafts, or trade.
Create Non-Farm Job Opportunities in Rural Areas
Right now, most rural dwellers rely on farming, often using outdated tools and techniques. With poor yields and limited income, they struggle to afford food, healthcare, or school fees.
The solution? Diversify the rural economy. The government should bring non-agricultural industries like food processing, textiles, and light manufacturing into rural communities.
This will reduce dependence on farming alone and create better-paying jobs where people live.
Adopt an Agriculture-Led Industrial Strategy
One way to boost rural economies is to connect farms directly to factories. Instead of building industries only in big cities, Nigeria should locate manufacturing plants close to where raw materials are produced.
This would reduce transportation costs, increase demand for local produce, and create jobs right in the heart of rural communities.
However, this move requires serious investment in rural infrastructure, roads, electricity, water, and health centres. Without these, rural businesses can’t grow or survive.
Support Women and Break Gender Barriers
Women carry the heaviest burden of rural poverty. In parts of southeastern Nigeria, studies show poverty rates are as high as 98% for women, compared to 85% for men. Yet, women are often denied land, left out of training programmes, and burdened with unpaid care work at home.
To change this, the government must ensure equal access to land, loans, education, and skills training for women. Policies must also support childcare, healthcare, and other services that free women’s time and allow them to work, earn, and thrive.
Build Safety Nets to Protect Against Shocks
Many rural Nigerians live just one crisis away from disaster. Whether it’s extreme weather, illness, or conflict, they often have no savings or support to fall back on.
Cash transfer programmes like the proposed ₦25,000 disbursement to vulnerable citizens are a start, but they’re not enough. Nigeria should build an institutionalised safety net, similar to India’s ration card system.
Poor households could receive essentials like food, milk, and oil at subsidised rates. This kind of structured, reliable support could be funded by special taxes on oil companies and big financial institutions.
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