“Not less than 86 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty,” the ActionAid Nigeria, AAN, has said. The organization made this disclosure yesterday in Abuja at the end of its ‘Austerity campaign launch. The theme of the launch is tagged; Public Discourse on Ending Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria’.
Speaking at the launch, the Country Director of AAN, Andrew Mamedu, said the underlying cause of this poverty is rooted in the heavy burden of austerity measures. He said this is imposed as part of broader macroeconomic policies in the country.
According to the Director, the multidimensional poverty is higher in the rural areas. This is where 72 percent of people are considered poor. And also constitute approximately 70 percent of all Nigeria population who live in the rural areas. This is compared to 72 percent of people in the urban areas.
Mamedu stated that in communities across Nigeria, where austerity measures have led to the withdrawal of social services, it is women who step into the void. By providing unpaid care work at the expense of their economic independence and well-being.
He said, “According to the austerity report, Nigeria has more than 64 percent or more representation of women in senior positions. But women earn only 50 percent of the income earned by men.
“The barriers to women’s advancement are deeply entrenched. From discriminatory laws and practices to limited access to resources and opportunities.
“Despite efforts to close the gender gap, the lack of investment in women’s economic empowerment has only widened the disparities.”
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was represented by the Director Macro Economy Analysis, Felix Okonkwo.
Speaking earlier, the Minister said addressing poverty is essential. Not only for economic growth, but also for preventing conflict, insecurity and mitigating the effects of climate change.
source: Daily Trust
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