Poorest State in Nigeria 2023 – Surviving Scarcity (Top 10)

Poorest State in Nigeria 2023

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of over 211 million people. Despite being one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world, poverty is still a major issue in Nigeria. The poverty rate in Nigeria is estimated to be around 40%, and this is reflected in the poverty levels of many of its states.

As of 2023, the poorest state in Nigeria is still widely considered to be Sokoto State. Located in the north-western part of Nigeria, Sokoto State has a population of over 5 million people, and it is predominantly made up of Muslims. The state has a very low literacy rate, and many of its inhabitants rely on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming for their livelihoods.

Sokoto State is often described as one of the most underdeveloped states in Nigeria, with poor infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and high rates of unemployment. Despite efforts by the state government to improve the living conditions of its people, poverty still remains a significant challenge in Sokoto State.

Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria 

Here is the list of Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria with their Poverty Rate.

S.No	State	Poverty Rate
1	Sokoto	81.2%
2	Katsina	74.5%
3	Adamawa	74.2%
4	Gombe	74.2%
5	Jigawa	74.1%
6	Plateau	74.1%
7	Ebonyi	74%
8	Bauchi	73%
9	Kebbi	72%
10	Zamfara	71.5%

Let us see each one of the states in detail. 

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1. Sokoto – 81.2%

Sokoto is a state located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, with a population of over 4 million people. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional architecture, clothing, and music. However, despite its cultural significance, Sokoto is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, with a poverty rate of 81.2%.

The poverty situation in Sokoto is attributed to a number of factors, including lack of access to basic social amenities like healthcare, education, and clean water. The state also has a high unemployment rate, which means that many of its residents are unable to earn a living wage. Additionally, the region is prone to environmental hazards such as droughts, floods, and desertification, which have adversely affected the economy.

The government has made some efforts to reduce poverty in Sokoto, such as implementing poverty reduction programs and increasing funding for social services. However, more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents.

2. Katsina – 74.5%

Katsina is a state in northern Nigeria with a population of over 7 million people. Despite its vast agricultural potential, the state has a poverty rate of 74.5%. This is due to a number of factors, including limited access to education and healthcare, high unemployment rates, and a lack of infrastructure.

The state has struggled to attract private investment, which has further hindered economic growth and development. Katsina is also affected by recurring droughts, which have impacted crop yields and food security.

In response to these challenges, the government has implemented various poverty reduction programs, such as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program and the Katsina State Poverty Reduction Strategy. However, these programs have faced challenges in implementation due to inadequate funding and lack of coordination.

To address poverty in Katsina, there needs to be a concerted effort to increase private investment, improve access to education and healthcare, and develop critical infrastructure. The state also needs to diversify its economy beyond agriculture to create more employment opportunities for its residents.

3. Adamawa – 74.2%

Adamawa is a state located in northeastern Nigeria, with a population of over 4 million people. Despite its significant agricultural potential, the state has a poverty rate of 74.2%. This is attributed to a range of factors, including limited access to education and healthcare, high unemployment rates, and a lack of infrastructure.

In recent years, Adamawa has also been affected by violent conflict, which has displaced thousands of people and disrupted economic activities. This has further exacerbated poverty in the state.

The government has implemented various poverty reduction programs, such as the Adamawa State Poverty Reduction Strategy, to address these challenges. However, these programs have faced challenges in implementation due to inadequate funding and lack of coordination.

To address poverty in Adamawa, there needs to be a focus on improving access to education and healthcare, as well as developing critical infrastructure such as roads and electricity. The state also needs to diversify its economy beyond agriculture to create more employment opportunities for its residents. Additionally, the government needs to address the root causes of the conflict in the state to ensure long-term stability and economic growth.

4. Gombe – 74.2%

Gombe is a state in northeastern Nigeria with a poverty rate of 74.2%. The state is known for its agricultural potential, particularly in the production of cotton, groundnut, and sesame. However, the state faces several challenges that contribute to its high poverty rate, including limited access to education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure such as roads and electricity.

The state also experiences frequent conflicts between farmers and herders, which have led to the displacement of people and loss of livelihoods. The state government has initiated several poverty alleviation programs, including the Gombe Goes Green (3G) initiative, which focuses on reforestation and agriculture, and the Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Program (YESAP), which provides vocational training to young people.

5. Jigawa – 74.1%

Jigawa is a state in northwestern Nigeria with a poverty rate of 74.1%. The state is predominantly rural, with agriculture as the main economic activity. However, the state faces several challenges that contribute to its high poverty rate, including limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The state government has initiated several poverty alleviation programs, including the Jigawa State Social Intervention Program (JSSIP), which provides cash transfers to the poorest households, and the Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (JSEEDS), which focuses on promoting entrepreneurship and small-scale enterprises.

6. Plateau – 74.1%

Plateau is a state in central Nigeria with a poverty rate of 74.1%. The state is known for its scenic landscapes and tourist attractions, but it also faces several challenges that contribute to its high poverty rate. These challenges include limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as recurrent conflicts between farmers and herders.

The state government has initiated several poverty alleviation programs, including the Plateau State Microfinance Development Agency (PLASMIDA), which provides access to finance for small businesses and farmers, and the Plateau State Poverty Reduction Strategy (PSPRS), which focuses on improving access to basic services and promoting economic development.

However, the state continues to grapple with poverty and its attendant social and economic consequences.

7. Ebonyi – 74%

Ebonyi is a state located in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is known for its rich agricultural resources, including rice, yam, cassava, and palm produce. However, despite its agricultural potential, Ebonyi has one of the highest poverty rates in Nigeria, with an estimated 74% of its population living below the poverty line.

One of the major reasons for the high poverty rate in Ebonyi is the lack of adequate infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply. This has limited economic activities and made it difficult for businesses to thrive. Additionally, the state’s educational system is also in need of improvement, with a large percentage of its population lacking basic education and literacy skills.

Another contributing factor to the poverty rate in Ebonyi is the low level of industrialization and diversification of the economy. The state is heavily dependent on agriculture, and there are few industries to provide alternative sources of employment and income for its citizens.

8. Bauchi – 73%

Bauchi, on the other hand, is a state located in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Like Ebonyi, it also has a high poverty rate, with an estimated 73% of its population living below the poverty line. Bauchi is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes a diverse mix of ethnic groups, languages, and traditions.

One of the main reasons for the high poverty rate in Bauchi is the prevalence of low-quality infrastructure, including poor road networks and limited access to electricity and water. These factors have limited economic growth and made it difficult for businesses to thrive, resulting in a lack of employment opportunities and income.

Bauchi’s educational system also faces significant challenges, with a large percentage of its population lacking basic education and literacy skills. This limits opportunities for employment and further education, and contributes to the cycle of poverty.

9. Kebbi – 72%

Kebbi State is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, and it has a population of approximately 4.8 million people. The state is known for its vast agricultural resources, which include crops such as rice, millet, sorghum, and cotton. Despite its abundant natural resources, Kebbi State is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, with a poverty rate of 72%.

The high poverty rate in Kebbi State can be attributed to a number of factors, including a lack of infrastructure, poor access to education and healthcare services, and a reliance on subsistence agriculture. Many residents of the state live in rural areas and depend on farming for their livelihoods, but the lack of modern farming techniques and equipment, coupled with the impact of climate change, has made it difficult for them to earn a decent income.

10. Zamfara – 71.5%

Zamfara State is another northwestern state in Nigeria with a population of approximately 4.8 million people. The state is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, but despite this, it has a poverty rate of 71.5%. The poverty rate in Zamfara State is one of the highest in Nigeria and has been linked to various factors such as lack of basic infrastructure, poor access to healthcare services, and poor governance.

The state also faces security challenges, including banditry, which has led to the displacement of many residents and the destruction of property. The situation has affected the economic activities of the people, with many losing their means of livelihood.

Furthermore, the state’s economy is largely agrarian, with most residents engaged in subsistence farming. However, the lack of modern farming techniques and equipment has led to low crop yields, affecting food security and income levels.

Which is the Poorest State in Nigeria for 2023?

Sokoto State is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, with a population of approximately 6.2 million people. It is one of the poorest states in Nigeria, with a poverty rate of 81.2%, one of the highest in the country. The high poverty rate in Sokoto State can be attributed to various factors, including poor governance, low levels of economic development, and limited access to basic infrastructure and social services.

Sokoto State is largely agrarian, with farming being the primary source of livelihood for the majority of its residents. However, the state is faced with several challenges that have hindered the growth of the agricultural sector. These challenges include poor land use practices, inadequate irrigation systems, and limited access to modern farming technologies and equipment. As a result, crop yields are often low, leading to reduced incomes for farmers and food insecurity.

The state’s low level of economic development is also a significant contributor to its high poverty rate. Sokoto State has a limited industrial base and a largely informal economy. Most economic activities in the state are dominated by small-scale traders and artisans, who often struggle to access finance and other resources needed to grow their businesses.

Additionally, access to basic infrastructure and social services is limited in Sokoto State. The state has a high rate of illiteracy and limited access to education, which has hindered the ability of residents to acquire skills and knowledge needed for employment and income generation. The state also has limited access to healthcare services, with many residents lacking access to basic medical care.

The high poverty rate in Sokoto State is a result of various factors, including poor governance, low levels of economic development, limited access to basic infrastructure and social services, and a largely agrarian economy facing several challenges.

Addressing these challenges will require significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture, as well as policies and programs that promote inclusive economic growth and development.

Poorest States in Nigeria 2022

Here is the list of the Poorset states in Nigeria for 2022.

S.No	Poorest States
1	Sokoto state
2	Taraba state
3	Jigawa state
4	Ebonyi state
5	Adamawa state
6	Zamfara state
7	Yobe state
8	Niger state
9	Gombe state
10	Bauchi state

Poorest States in Nigeria 

The poverty rate in Nigeria is estimated to be around 40%, with Sokoto State being considered the poorest state with a poverty rate of 81.2%. Other states in Nigeria with high poverty rates include Katsina, Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, Plateau, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Kebbi, and Zamfara.

The causes of poverty in these states are varied, including limited access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, high unemployment rates, environmental hazards, and violent conflicts. While the government has implemented various poverty reduction programs, more needs to be done to address the underlying causes of poverty and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents. Improving access to education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and addressing the root causes of conflict are essential steps to alleviate poverty in these states.

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