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According to new data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published by Visual Capitalist, Nigeria has been ranked the 12th poorest country in the world by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in 2025. The report, which assessed 50 countries, placed Nigeria's GDP per capita at $807, a figure that highlights the significant economic disparity in a nation that remains one of Africa's largest economies by total GDP. The analysis noted that chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases continue to suppress income growth for many citizens, casting a long shadow over the nation's economic potential.
  • Nigeria is ranked the 12th poorest country globally based on GDP per capita, with a figure of $807.
  • The ranking comes from new data published by Visual Capitalist based on IMF assessments.
  • The report attributes the low per capita income to chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial bases.
  • Africa accounts for 19% of the global population but only 3% of the world economy.
The Giant’s Shadow is long and heavy. Nigeria’s economy may roar in headlines, but its people whisper under the weight of stagnation. Progress without equity is a tower without a door, tall, impressive, and ultimately unreachable for most. When have you stood tall in numbers but felt small in reality, like living inside The Giant’s Shadow?

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Source: Visual Capitalist, IMF