NIGERIA’S POVERTY PROFILE

Abstract

The paper employs an analytical research method to assess the causes and impact of human poverty in Nigeria and the variation in poverty levels among
the rural and urban dwellers. It examines the disparity in poverty levels among various geopolitical Zones and individual States. It identifies Institutional causes of poverty in the nation as; corruption, income inequality, long term ethnic conflicts, lops sided development programmes and incessant civil unrest. The non- institutional factors that breed poverty in Nigeria include illiteracy, poor health consumption and gender discrimination. For the successful reduction of human poverty in Nigeria, the study suggests that: education should be free and compulsory at the primary and secondary levels, people with proven financial integrity should be appointed into government offices, government should take over the medical expenses of vulnerable groups such as children between 1-5years and adults of 60 years and above. There should be an upward review of 2019 minimum wage act; National Health Insurance Scheme should be properly managed for optimum results and primary health centers should be properly funded by the National Primary Health Care Board.