Oxfam Raises Alarm As 83 Million Nigerians Survive On Less Than N3,100 Daily.
Oxfam in Nigeria has revealed that over 83 million Nigerians, representing nearly 39% of the population, are living in extreme poverty, surviving on less than N3,100 ($2) per day. The stark figure, drawn from 2022 data by the National Bureau of Statistics, was highlighted during a policy dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, themed ‘The Next 90%: Youth, Policy & A Fairer Nigeria’. The event brought together representatives from the Senate, ministries, embassies, international organisations, and civil society to address the nation’s deepening inequality crisis.
John Makina, Oxfam’s Country Director, described the situation as a stark reflection of Nigeria’s growing wealth disparity, noting that the top 10% of the population controls 90% of the nation’s resources. “Over 83 million Nigerians are left to live on less than N3,100 a day, meaning they cannot afford good schools, healthcare, or basic amenities,” Makina said. He also pointed out the political marginalisation of young people, with no one under 35 in Nigeria’s federal cabinet, and the exclusion of women, with only 4.2% of elected officials in the National Assembly being female.
The dialogue also shed light on Nigeria’s fiscal challenges, with Makina revealing that the country lost over N5 trillion in 2024 to tax incentives granted to large corporations, equivalent to 18.5% of the federal budget. He called for urgent reforms, including progressive wealth and excess profit taxes, stronger regulation of corporations, and increased investment in public services. “To tackle youth challenges, we need progressive labour policies that promote decent work and fair pay, starting with a minimum wage that reflects the real cost of living,” he added. Makina further noted that 65% of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal economy, and formalising these businesses through access to credit, training, and social protection could boost economic inclusion.
Oxfam’s findings also highlighted regional disparities, with 72% of rural residents living in poverty compared to 42% in urban areas, and northern states facing a regional poverty rate of 73%. The organisation urged the government to address these gaps through targeted investments in human capital, infrastructure, and rural development, alongside policies to improve governance and accountability.
Despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy, Oxfam warned that the benefits of economic growth remain concentrated among a small elite, leaving millions trapped in poverty. The organisation proposed a progressive wealth tax, estimating that a 1% tax on net worth over $1 million could generate $7.5 billion annually, enough to double the health budget or reduce household out-of-pocket health costs by 40%. “Nigeria must chart a path toward inclusive growth and a more equitable society,” said Henry Ushie, Oxfam’s Accountable Governance Programme Manager, emphasising the need for systemic change to ensure resources are distributed fairly across the population.
The dialogue concluded with a call for collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector to address the root causes of inequality. Oxfam’s recommendations, including increased social spending and progressive taxation, aim to empower Nigeria’s youth, women, and rural communities, fostering a more inclusive future as the nation prepares for its next phase of development.
