Nigeria Records Largest Increase in Multidimensional Poverty Globally
What happened
Nigeria recorded the world’s largest increase in multidimensional poverty between 2021 and 2024, with 17.9 million people falling into poverty. This marks a reversal of poverty reduction that had occurred between 2018 and 2021. Afghanistan also saw an increase, with 5.3 million people becoming multidimensionally poor during its latest period. The findings were published by the United Nations Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.
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Why it matters
The increase signals a deterioration in living conditions in Nigeria. The report identified Nigeria among five countries that experienced increases in multidimensional poverty during their respective assessment periods.
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Who's involved
- NigeriaThe geopolitical state that recorded the largest increase in multidimensional poverty
- AfghanistanThe country that also recorded an increase in multidimensional poverty
- United Nations Development ProgrammeThe organization that published the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index report
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NigeriaSpeculative
Nigeria might face massive reduction in consumer demand and investment risk.
- AfghanistanSpeculative
Afghanistan could face reduced consumer demand and increased instability risk.
- United Nations Development ProgrammeSpeculative
The United Nations Development Programme may validate increased need for development aid and funding in affected states.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Nigeria's rising poverty rate challenges federal government's stabilityThe federal government of Nigeria faces challenges to stability and policy effectivenessLikely
- How could Nigeria's largest increase in multidimensional poverty affect China?Nigeria's rising poverty and instability could increase risk for Chinese investment.Possible
- Nigeria's rising poverty rate may increase political pressure on TinubuThe rising poverty rate may increase political pressure on Tinubu's administrationPossible
- Nigeria's poverty surge could influence World Bank assessmentsNigeria's sharp poverty rise may impact World Bank assessmentsPossible
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The entities involved
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Nigeria
sovereign state in West Africa
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Afghanistan
country in Central and South Asia
Related events
- Poverty and insecurity are closely linked to national challenges in Nigeria.
- The World Bank is providing data on poverty trends in Nigeria, while the IMF is releasing reports assessing the country's economic reforms.
- Nigeria tested its potential within the African economic landscape on May 27, 2026.
- Nigeria is outside investment grade, and both Nigeria and Botswana face heavy debt repayment requirements.
- The World Bank projected poverty rates and Nigeria agreed to fiscal-monetary coordination via a signed Memorandum of Understanding.