Former Statistician-General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Yemi Kale, has revealed that Nigeria now ranks as the country with the second-highest number of poor people in the world. He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast resources, millions of citizens still struggle with extreme poverty due to rising inflation, unemployment, and limited access to basic social services.

Kale stressed that the poverty challenge reflects deeper economic issues, including overdependence on oil, weak job creation, and a growing population that outpaces economic growth. He explained that urgent policy changes are needed to lift millions out of poverty and prevent the situation from worsening.

The revelation has triggered debates across the country, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the government’s ability to reverse the trend. Analysts say without major reforms in agriculture, education, healthcare, and job creation, poverty will continue to rise despite Nigeria’s potential for growth.