A recent report has painted a grim picture of the state of Nigerian children, revealing that 53.9% of them are trapped in multi-dimensional poverty, facing severe deprivations in essential aspects of their lives. This alarming statistic comes from the 2024 Situation Analysis (SitAn) of Children in Nigeria, a comprehensive policy document prepared by the Federal Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), launched during the 2024 World Children’s Day celebrations on November 20.
The report shines a harsh light on the systemic issues that have left millions of children unable to escape poverty, deprived of basic needs such as health, education, shelter, and nutrition. The document identifies a combination of corruption, inadequate investment in social sectors, unemployment, and violence as some of the key drivers behind this widespread deprivation.
“The state of children in Nigeria is nothing short of a national crisis,” said Folasade Akpan, a UNICEF official, during the report’s unveiling. “These children are deprived not just of material resources but also of the emotional and spiritual support they need to thrive. This has severe long-term implications for the future of the country.”
The report defines multi-dimensional poverty as a state where children are deprived in various areas simultaneously, hindering their ability to develop and participate fully in society. It emphasizes seven key indicators for measuring child poverty: health, water, sanitation, nutrition, shelter, education, and information. It is in these areas that the most severe deprivations are being felt across Nigeria, leading to lasting developmental consequences.
Regional Disparities: A Deep Divide
The report also highlights stark regional disparities in the poverty levels experienced by children across the country. While some regions show signs of improvement, others remain entrenched in cycles of deprivation, exacerbating the challenges faced by children.
In Osun State, for instance, the poverty rate among children is relatively low at 17.5%, with an incidence of deprivation at 35.5%. In contrast, Sokoto State experiences a poverty incidence of 89.9%, with a deprivation rate of 50.4%. “These disparities are not just a matter of numbers,” said Dr. Ruth Olayemi, a social researcher based in Abuja. “They reflect the deep-rooted inequalities in our society that are compounded by poor governance and inadequate infrastructure.”
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, shows a more positive picture with a poverty rate of 27.8% and a deprivation rate of 36.8%, but even here, challenges persist. According to experts, urbanization and population growth are making it increasingly difficult for the state to keep pace with the demand for services like healthcare and education, even though its Human Development Index (HDI) ranking is one of the best in the country.
Rural Children Are the Worst Affected
The data reveals a stark contrast between the rural and urban experiences of poverty in Nigeria. While 29.7% of urban children are multi-dimensionally poor, the figure soars to a staggering 65.7% in rural areas. Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states are among the worst affected, with over 70% of children in these regions living in multi-dimensional poverty.
“Sokoto and Zamfara are among the poorest states in Nigeria, and this is reflected in the conditions under which children are raised,” noted Professor Ibrahim Yusuf, an economist with a focus on poverty in Nigeria. “In these states, children are more likely to experience a lack of education, poor nutrition, and limited access to healthcare, which all compound their difficulties.”
The Plight of the Almajiri Children
Perhaps the most distressing finding in the report is the condition of the Almajiri children, who represent some of the most vulnerable groups in Nigerian society. These children, often forced into religious schools or on the streets, experience extreme deprivation across almost every poverty indicator. “Almajiri children are routinely deprived of basic necessities—food, education, healthcare, and even protection from abuse,” the report states. “They live in an environment where survival itself is a daily struggle.”
These children are frequently subjected to labor, abuse, and exploitation, and in conflict zones, they are often recruited into militant groups. A UNICEF representative remarked, “The Almajiri system, while rooted in cultural practices, has created a generation of children who are vulnerable and left behind in the race for development.”
Education and the Cycle of Poverty
Education is another area where the poorest children face severe challenges. According to the SitAn report, children in households with uneducated heads, particularly those with illiterate mothers, are far more likely to live in multi-dimensional poverty. “The lack of education leads to a vicious cycle of poverty,” said Dr. Olayemi. “Children without access to quality education are less likely to break free from poverty, and they pass this cycle on to the next generation.”
This situation underscores the urgent need for the Nigerian government to invest in social services, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and a safe environment to grow up in.
The Way Forward: What Needs to Be Done
The SitAn report provides a series of recommendations aimed at alleviating child poverty in Nigeria. Key among them is the need for the Nigerian government to strengthen its commitment to improving public healthcare and education systems. These institutions, according to the report, must be inclusive and accessible to the children who need them the most.
“Effective governance is essential,” said the report. “Government must ensure that resources are distributed equitably, and policies must be aimed at improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable children.”
The report also calls for families and caregivers to play a critical role in ensuring the protection and well-being of children. Moreover, it urges for the implementation of social programs that offer a minimum income to families, which would help eliminate the financial barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential.
In closing, the report calls for urgent action from both the government and citizens to tackle the multi-dimensional poverty faced by Nigerian children. “The future of Nigeria is at risk if we fail to address these challenges today,” warned UNICEF’s Akpan. “The time to act is now.”
