The lack of essentials to satisfy one’s basic need is endemic among millions of Nigerians including children. They make a significant part the of population computed under Nigeria’s grim poverty profile.
70.3 percent of children live in poverty and 23.2 percent live in extreme poverty as per the 2010 Harmonized Nigeria Living Standard Survey.
Child poverty in Nigeria is at an alarming rate with a serious humanitarian crisis brewing in the country. Despite being one of Africa’s richest nations, the country is rated the world poverty capital.
The country has a poverty headcount of 40 percent. This signifies that 82.9 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line of #13,430 annually.
According to the National Bureau of statistics’ Poverty and inequality report of 2019, nine of the 10 poorest states are from Northern Nigeria, Ebonyi, a southeast state is the only exception.
Sokoto topped the list with a poverty level of 87.73 percent followed closely by Taraba at 87.72 percent and Jigawa at 87.02 percent.
Children are living in one of the most perilous times in the country as recessions, debt burden, income inequality, displacement, terrorism, and armed conflict continue to thrive. More children are pushed into deprivation and reduced access to necessities.
Nigeria is home to the highest number of out-of-school children and the highest number of people living in extreme poverty. The country has the second-highest burden of stunted children in the world, with a national prevalence rate of 32 percent of children under five.
The country is battling a number of crushing health indicators. The lack of access to quality health care has exposed many young ones to severe infection and disease and heightened mortality.
Extreme poverty has disturbed nearly every aspect of a child’s development including nutrition, education, sanitation, health, safety, and hygiene.
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