A new report by Statisense, based on data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2024), has revealed a striking portrait of inequality across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. According to the data, the North-East region has the highest share of residents among the poorest 20% of Nigerians, highlighting the country’s deep and persistent regional poverty divide.
North-East Tops the Chart
The report shows that 37.9% of the North-East’s population falls within Nigeria’s poorest 20%, making it the most economically vulnerable region in the country. The North-East, plagued by years of insecurity, insurgency, and displacement, continues to struggle with limited access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods — key factors that have perpetuated poverty in the region.
North-West and North-Central Also Hit Hard
The North-West follows with 29.6%, reflecting widespread poverty in states such as Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, where agricultural underdevelopment and low literacy rates remain major concerns. Similarly, the North-Central zone accounts for 15.1% of Nigeria’s poorest population. This region, though rich in natural resources, faces structural challenges including poor infrastructure, farmer-herder conflicts, and low industrial growth.
Southern Nigeria Shows Lower Poverty Rates
In contrast, the southern zones record significantly lower poverty rates. The South-East accounts for 5.0%, while both the South-South and South-West record 1.7% each — the lowest in the nation. Analysts attribute this disparity to higher literacy rates, stronger economic activity, and more developed infrastructure in the southern regions.
The South-West, home to Lagos — Nigeria’s commercial capital — benefits from greater access to industries, trade, and technology-driven jobs. Meanwhile, the South-South’s oil-rich economy and the entrepreneurial culture in the South-East have contributed to relatively lower poverty levels.
Widening Socioeconomic Divide
Experts warn that the growing regional inequality poses a threat to Nigeria’s long-term stability and development. “This level of disparity is unsustainable,” said a policy analyst at Statisense. “It underscores the urgent need for targeted poverty reduction strategies, especially in the northern zones.”
The NDHS 2024 findings come as Nigeria continues to grapple with high inflation, unemployment, and a depreciating naira — factors that have worsened living conditions for millions.
To address this imbalance, economists are calling for increased investment in education, security, and agricultural modernization across the North, coupled with better governance and equitable resource distribution nationwide.
Social Plugin