…As Multidimensional Poverty Plagues South South Sub-national Entities
Cross River state struggles with a significant multidimensional poverty challenge, as data recently revealed suggests that 7 in 10 people, totaling 3.3 million individuals, are living in extreme poverty across various dimensions. The discoveries, part of the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) for 2022, shed light on the firmly-rooted socio-economic struggles faced by a substantial portion of the state’s population NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
While monetary poverty in Africa’s largest economy stands at 40.1%, translating to 82.9 million residents living below the poverty line, Cross River’s multidimensional poverty rate of 75.4% underscores the severity of the situation within the state. According to the findings, factors responsible for this alarming statistic include limited access to basic necessities such as housing, education, healthcare, and clean water, exacerbating the cycle of poverty for many residents and indigenes.
The study opined that the implications of such widespread deprivation extend beyond mere statistics, impacting the overall well-being and future prospects of individuals and communities in the state. Addressing multidimensional poverty requires a comprehensive approach that tackles underlying structural inequalities and empowers marginalized groups to break free from the grips of poverty.
Nevertheless, a similar study has unveiled the staggering degree of multidimensional poverty across the South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, with Cross River emerging as one of the most severely affected areas. According to the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI) for 2022, 75.4% of Cross River’s population, comprising 3.3 million individuals, grapple with various dimensions of poverty.
This disclosure places Cross River alongside other states in the region facing similar challenges. In Akwa Ibom, 71.3% of residents, amounting to 5 million people, are deemed multidimensionally poor. Bayelsa follows closely, with a staggering 88.5% of its population, approximately 2.6 million individuals, struggling amidst economic hardship. Additionally, Rivers State contends with a significant poverty rate of 62.4%, affecting 4.3 million people.
Comparatively, Delta State exhibits a lower but still concerning multidimensional poverty rate, with 47.6% of its populace, equivalent to 3 million individuals, experiencing poverty across various dimensions. Edo State fares slightly better, with 35.4% of its population, totaling 1.4 million people, grappling with multidimensional poverty.
