More than half of Nigerians live on less than ₦50,000 a month, barely covering a week’s groceries in many cities. According to World Bank and Premium Times reports, this stark reality reflects deepening poverty, worsened by inflation, stagnant wages, and shrinking economic opportunities. In many households, especially up North and in rural areas, the daily hustle is no longer about living well; it's about surviving at all.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is home to over 10% of the world’s extreme poor. A monthly income below ₦50,000 is now the norm for the majority.
- Over 54% of Nigerians live in poverty, earning less than ₦50,000 monthly
- Rural poverty is highest, with over 75% of rural dwellers considered poor
- Rising inflation and naira depreciation have eroded basic purchasing power
- The government plans to disburse ₦75,000 to 15 million poor residents by 2025
- Experts say real change needs structural reforms, not just cash handouts
For most Nigerians, poverty isn’t just a statistic; it’s the silence behind school dropouts, skipped meals, and dreams deferred
