Multidimensional Poverty: Akwa Ibom, Rivers lead South-South states with most poor people

In a recent eye-opening report, data technology company StatiSense unveiled distressing findings from the Multidimensional Poverty Index (2022) report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The report sheds light on the staggering number of people living in multidimensional poverty in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region, comprising states such as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa. The figures are nothing short of alarming and raise serious questions about the effective use of resources and policy implementation in these states.

The report reveals that Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River states are the hardest hit, with 5.08 million, 4.4 million, and 3.44 million people respectively living in multidimensional poverty. For Akwa Ibom state, this represents over 71 percent of its total population of 5.451 million people estimated by the National Population Commission (NPC).

Similarly, in Rivers State, the 4.4 million people living in multidimensional poverty account for 62.4 percent of the state’s estimated 7.47 million inhabitants. Cross River State also struggles significantly, with 3.44 million people living in multidimensional poverty, constituting a staggering 75.6 percent of the state’s population.

While Edo and Delta States also face challenges, their numbers are relatively lower compared to the states mentioned earlier. Edo has 1.4 million people living in multidimensional poverty, representing 35.4 percent of its estimated 3.9 million population, while Delta has 2.73 million people in poverty, which is just under 50 percent of its population.

Bayelsa State emerges as the most concerning case, with a shocking 2.61 million people living in multidimensional poverty, constituting a staggering 88 percent of the state’s estimated 2.9 million inhabitants. The Ijaw ethnic group-dominated state, despite receiving significant funds from the federation account (N87.13 billion in 2021), faces a severe challenge in improving the living standards of its people.

The 13 percent derivation funds, intended to ensure that resource-rich regions benefit from their natural resources, have been a subject of scrutiny.

Many analysts and policymakers question why these funds have failed to uplift the living standards of the people in these states. Despite receiving substantial financial support, poverty persists and worsens with the rising cost of living, magnified by increases in fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira, the national currency against major international currencies especially the US dollars.

Stanley Nwani, lecturer of economics at the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos told BusinessDay in a telephone conversion that the region needs a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to dealing with the issue of multidimensional poverty.

“There is an urgent need for transparent and accountable governance in the region, with a focus on responsible allocation and use of funds. The government must prioritize investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation to lift people out of poverty and ensure sustainable development, a view many people hold.”

“Furthermore, the report underscores the necessity of community-driven development initiatives. By involving local communities in decision-making processes and development projects, the effectiveness and relevance of these efforts can be maximized.

“Sustainable economic diversification is also crucial. Over-reliance on oil revenue leaves states vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Encouraging investment in other sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, can create alternative income streams and reduce the impact of oil price volatility.

“Education and skill development play pivotal roles in poverty reduction. By equipping individuals with the necessary tools and knowledge, they can access better job opportunities and improve their economic prospects.

“Finally, it is essential to strengthen social safety nets. Establishing effective welfare programs and support systems can provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, helping them weather economic challenges and improve their well-being,” Nwani said.

In conclusion, the StatiSense report serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted multidimensional poverty plaguing Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The findings call for urgent action from policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to address the systemic issues contributing to poverty. Only through collective efforts and a commitment to sustainable development can these states realize their full potential and provide a brighter future for their citizens.

helinues:
The states lagging behind should wake up

RuggedBiafran:

Redoil:
a bag of rice is moving towards 50,000 in nigeria and dollars is moving towards 900 and you will never speak of these wickedness.

Omo..e don red oooo! See confession from a certified APC supporter...

Hand don touch you abi? Cool down, this is just the intro. The main RENEWED SHEGE dey load. Propaganda can't save you as hunger is real....

Keep looking for IPOB.. ESN.. NNAMDI KANU threads, while the people you support have actually increased the poverty threshold of your dependants. You will feel the heat for always making useless tribalistic decisions.

Propaganda can't cover bad leadership...spits

madridguy:
Sentiments aside, 95% of we Nigerians are facing severe poverty. I swear, our leaders have pafuka this country. Companies are sacking their staffs day in day out, many people in transportation cannot eat of today because all their money is taken away by fuel, generators repairers are out of business, mechanics workshop are empty, people are now willing to sell their cars and no one to buy it.... Nigeria is tough seriously... Many cooperate beggars everywhere.

I hope hunger and starvation will not wipe us away from the surface of the earth.

AndyCole16:
Gradually Nigeria is becoming a state that works only for the rich because the government has launch a war on it's citizens never to allow them succeed. By the way, what are they doing with their 13% oil profit? It's getting serious...


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madridguy:
Sentiments aside, 95% of we Nigerians are facing severe poverty. I swear, our leaders have pafuka this country. Companies are sacking their staffs day in day out, many people in transportation cannot eat of today because all their money is taken away by fuel, generators repairers are out of business, mechanics workshop are empty, people are now willing to sell their cars and no one to buy it.... Nigeria is tough seriously... Many cooperate beggars everywhere.

I hope hunger and starvation will not wipe us away from the surface of the earth.

livebyday:


What can they do? These are states with an endemic toxic and destructive culture of corporate begging from the community level.

In the height of militancy I was station in the region in bayelsa to the precise , I worked in community liaison and visited all these estates deeply and intimately related with communities and I can tell you that thebfoundatuional ideology from the hon setting in the Niger delta is flawed. And breeds criminals not good focused youths.on paper they tell you that they are traditionally fishermen. That's a farce.

The youths have tmbeen raised by a wolf traditional their forefathers begging and holding IOCs and other multinationals in the region hostage to feed them

A culture that encourages under aged drinking and immorality.

A culture that encourages drunkenness and wild unchecked behaviour .

A culture o unmarried pregnancy with an 90% population made up o fatherless children

The traditional beliefs that make up the major ethnic groups is very weak in the Niger Delta state
It's very common to find an unmarried girl of say 22 having 2 kids from different men living in her father's house and it is not frowned upon at all
I saw countless cases of incest patricide and such which is called a community affair .


The culture is ruthless retrogressive savage and destructive

Until the issues in the Niger Delta are addressed from a foundational point the entire south will continue to witness an endless supply of willing criminals easily used as kidnappers robbers assassins etc

Ebubu2:


It seems like you’re describing akwa ibom where i lived for 9 years.

Incest, fatherless babies, mothers with no husbands, drinking, full everywhere.


It was very difficult for me to adjust at first because fatherless children are not normal where I’m from unless the father is DEAD, but i eventually adjusted.

FreeStuffsNG:
Is Akwa Ibom becoming the State of Uncommon poverty ni.

It's disgraceful that despite the huge oil derivation funds Akwa Ibom state receives from national oil revenue, the state is always leading from the rear in unemployment and poverty yet the people are hostile to investors

Ebubu2:


It seems like you’re describing akwa ibom where i lived for 9 years.

Incest, fatherless babies, mothers with no husbands, drinking, full everywhere.


It was very difficult for me to adjust at first because fatherless children are not normal where I’m from unless the father is DEAD, but i eventually adjusted.