Atiku Abubakar laments rising poverty in Nigeria, urging urgent and people-focused measures to lift millions out of hardship and restore national dignity

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening poverty rate, describing it as one of the nation’s most pressing challenges.

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In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday to mark the International Day for Poverty Eradication, Atiku lamented that Nigeria remains one of the countries hardest hit by poverty despite its vast human and natural resources.

He noted that widespread deprivation continues to fuel other social crises including disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness, warning that without immediate, people-centred action, the country risks deeper instability.

“Poverty is the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known,” Atiku said. “Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness.”

Describing the global observance as “a timely reminder and a call to action,” the former Vice President urged governments at all levels, civil society groups, and development partners to prioritise policies that empower citizens and strengthen community resilience.

“At both government and community levels, we must take the fight against poverty to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution,” he said.

Atiku reinforced his message with a Nigerian proverb: “When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside.” He emphasised that tackling poverty is central to restoring freedom, dignity, and peace in the nation.

His remarks come amid fresh data from the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update, which estimates that 139 million Nigerians currently live in poverty—largely due to food inflation and insecurity.

The Bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, highlighted that while ongoing reforms show potential, many households still struggle to meet basic needs.

“Poor households—who spend up to 70 per cent of their income on food—have seen the cost of a basic food basket rise fivefold between 2019 and 2024,” Verghis said.

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Atiku’s call adds to growing public concern that economic gains from government reforms have yet to translate into improved living conditions, leaving millions trapped in cycles of poverty and disillusionment.