Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening poverty rate, describing it as a threat to national stability and human dignity.

In a post on X on Sunday to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Atiku said it was saddening that Nigeria had earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty.

“Poverty is the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known. Wherever it takes root—whether in the life of an individual or across a society—it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,” he wrote.

Atiku called for deliberate and people-centred solutions to end poverty, stressing that every Nigerian must be part of the collective effort.

“In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty. That is why my advocacy for deliberate, people-centred solutions to end poverty remains strong and consistent.

“At both government and community levels, we must take the fight against poverty to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution. When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside,” he said.

The former Vice President maintained that when poverty is defeated, the freedom and dignity of every man and woman will find true meaning.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 63 per cent of Nigerians—about 133 million people—are classified as multidimensionally poor.

The Bureau identifies food insecurity, poor education, and inadequate health services as key contributors to this figure.

Similarly, a World Bank report listed Nigeria among 39 countries facing rising poverty and hunger, driven largely by conflict, inflation, and economic instability.

A separate International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment also ranked Nigeria among the world’s poorest nations by GDP per capita.