The World Bank’s warning of worsening poverty in Nigeria has sparked outrage among civil society organisations (CSOs) and economic experts, who are calling for urgent reforms.
At the 2025 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., the World Bank and IMF downgraded Nigeria’s economic outlook, predicting a surge in poverty by 2027 without serious policy changes. CSOs said the report accurately reflected Nigeria’s escalating economic crisis.
NACCIMA President, Dele Oye, urged targeted stimulus measures, agricultural investments, and SME support to shield vulnerable groups.
ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, blamed poor governance, corruption, and misplaced priorities for the deepening poverty, calling for stronger social protection and cuts to government luxury spending.
Civil rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, highlighted soaring unemployment and inflation, warning that over 106 million Nigerians already live below the $2.15 daily poverty line.
CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, cited reckless borrowing and government waste as drivers of the crisis, while Global Rights Nigeria’s Abiodun Baiyewu accused authorities of lacking seriousness.
CPPE CEO, Dr. Muda Yusuf, urged urgent action to tackle inflation, insecurity, corruption, and low productivity.
Stakeholders warned that unless the government halts “politicking with people’s lives” and addresses structural challenges, Nigeria risks becoming the global hub of extreme poverty despite its vast potential
