According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s national multidimensional poverty rate stood at a staggering 62.9% in 2022. This affected the poverty rate in the country, with the poorest states in Nigeria having high poverty rates, large populations, and low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
These states have the highest percentages of multidimensional poverty in the country: Sokoto (90.5%), Bayelsa (88.5%), Gombe (86.2%), Jigawa (84.3%), Plateau (84.0%), and Yobe (83.5%).
In this article, we will be looking into the economic challenges and struggles faced by the poorest states in Nigeria. By analyzing key indicators such as poverty rates, population, IGR and overall living standards, we will be providing detailed information on these states.
We believe this article can also help to raise awareness for these states to get prompt solutions and interventions to bridge the gap between the poorest and richest states in Nigeria.
List of Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria Based On Poverty Rate
| Rank | State | Poverty Rate | Population | IGR | Major Industries | Natural Resources |
| 1 | Sokoto | 90.5% | 4.9 million | ₦14.9 billion | Agriculture, solid minerals | Minerals, vegetation, agricultural products |
| 2 | Bayelsa | 88.5% | 2.3 million | ₦15.9 billion | Crude oil and gas, fishing, agriculture | Natural gas, crude oil, salt |
| 3 | Gombe | 86.2% | 3.2 million | ₦13.6 billion | Agriculture, manufacturing, mining | Minerals, agricultural resources, cattle |
| 4 | Jigawa | 84.3% | 5.8 million | ₦14.2 billion | Agriculture, light manufacturing | Solid minerals, Butyles |
| 5 | Yobe | 83.5% | 3.4 million | ₦10.3 billion | Agriculture, livestock, fisheries | Mineral deposits |
| 6 | Plateau | 84% | 4.2 million | ₦15.9 billion | Agriculture, tin mining, tourism | Solid minerals, agricultural resources |
| 7 | Taraba | 79.4% | 3.1 million | ₦10.2 billion | Agriculture, solid minerals, tourism | Solid minerals, agricultural products |
| 8 | Ebonyi | 78% | 2.2 million | ₦12.4 billion | Agriculture, solid minerals, commerce | Lead, crude oil, natural gas |
| 9 | Zamfara | 78% | 9.279 million | ₦12.9 Billion | Agriculture and gold mining | Minirals, gemstones, and clay |
| 10 | Benue | 75. 0% | 6.8 million | ₦15.9 billion | Agriculture, livestock farming, commerce | Minerals, agricultural resources |
Sokoto State
- Poverty Rate: 90.5% (2022)
- Population: 4.9 million (2016 estimate)
- IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) in 2021: ₦14.9 billion ($36 million)
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦107 billion ($258 million)
- Major Industries: Agriculture (grains, livestock, fisheries), solid minerals
- Natural Resources: Minerals, vegetation, and agricultural products
Sokoto state is in the Northwestern part of Nigeria and is the poorest state. It has an extremely low income level which indicates very poor economic conditions and productivity. The population of the state is also a lot compared to the state’s resources.
The poverty rate in Sokoto is also staggeringly high at 87.7% which means nearly 9 out of every 10 people in the state are considered to be living in poverty and can not afford the necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.
One of the major causes of poverty in the state is that many people in Sokoto do not have access to good quality education and healthcare services. On top of that, Sokoto suffers from cultural norms that limit opportunities, especially for women. These issues contribute significantly to the state’s high poverty levels.
Bayelsa State
- Poverty Rate: 88.5% (2022)
- Population: 2.3 million (2016 estimate)
- IGR in 2021: ₦15.9 billion
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦207 billion ($500 million)
- Major Industries: Crude oil and gas, fishing, agriculture
- Natural Resources: Natural Gas, crude oil and salt.
It is a wonder Bayelsa State, in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, makes it to the list of the poorest states in Nigeria. The state is one of the largest oil-producing states in the country which should make it rich, but the state still has a high poverty rate.
This is because the revenue generated from oil is not equally distributed. Oil drilling has also caused environmental challenges, especially for the farmers in Bayelsa state with oil spills negatively impacting the lands and rivers. This is a huge problem as many of the local population rely on farming to survive.
Bayelsa also lacks basic infrastructure and amenities, the state has poor roads and poor electricity which makes it difficult for businesses to operate and for people to travel or sell their goods. These challenges alongside limited investment in other sectors, contribute to Bayelsa’s status as one of the poorest states in Nigeria.
Gombe State
- Poverty Rate: 86.2% (2022)
- Population: 3.2 million (2016 estimate)
- GDP in 2021: ₦13.6 billion
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦78.3 billion ($189 million)
- Major Industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, mining
- Natural Resources: Minerals, agricultural resources and cattle rearing.
Gombe State generates one of the lowest yearly revenue in Nigeria. The state is not growing much financially, and the majority of the population can not afford basic needs.
Most people in Gombe work in farming, which is the main way the state makes money. This is a challenge because when farming doesn’t do well, or when prices for farm goods change, it affects the whole state’s economy.
This makes it important for the government to find more ways to make money and create different kinds of jobs to help its economy become stronger and more stable.
Adding to these difficulties, Gombe has a high level of insecurity that has impacted business activities and scared away potential investors. This loss of investment further limits job opportunities and economic growth.
Jigawa State
- Poverty Rate: 84.3% (2022)
- Population: 5.8 million (2016 estimate)
- IGR in 2021: ₦14.2 billion ($34 million)
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦88.7 billion ($214 million)
- Major Industries & Natural Resources: Agriculture (crops, livestock), light manufacturing, Butyles
- Natural Resources: Solid minerals
Jigawa State has a high poverty rate of 84.3% as of 2022, making it one of the poorest states in Nigeria.
Despite having an estimated population of 5.8 million, the state does not generate enough revenue to cater to the needs of this population. Jigawa recorded an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of ₦14.2 billion and a total revenue of N88.7 billion in 2021. This goes to prove the challenges faced by the state and why it is a poor state.
Jigawa’s major industry is agriculture which includes crops and livestock, as well as light manufacturing and they have Butyles as their major natural resource. However, the state’s economy shows that there is a great need for major interventions to improve the standard of living of the state’s population.
Yobe State
- Poverty Rate: 83.5% (2022)
- Population: 3.4 million (2016 estimate)
- IGR: ₦10.3 billion
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦89.8 billion ($217 million)
- Major Industries: Agriculture, livestock, fisheries
- Natural Resources: Mineral Deposits
Yobe has a poverty rate of 83.5% which means that out of every 100 people, about 72 don’t have enough money for basic needs. The state generates an estimated revenue of N89.9 billion yearly which is low when spread across the high population of about 3.4 million
Yobe State was hit hard by the Boko Haram insurgency which has forced businesses and investors to leave the state. The insecurity has also forced people living in the States to leave their homes and those who remain there are scared of starting any meaningful business.
Most people in Yobe work as farmers or raise animals and they often grow just enough food for their families, not to sell which doesn’t help the state make more money.
The state has large families and most of the families can not afford to send their children to school. These issues hinder the development of people’s skills and the economy and also affect the overall state’s growth.
Plateau State
- Poverty Rate: 84%
- Population: Approximately 4.2 million (2021 estimate)
- IGR in 2021: ₦15.9 billion ($38 million)
- Total Revenue in 2021: Not specified
- Major Industries: Agriculture (potatoes, maize), tin mining, tourism, commerce
- Natural Resources: Solid minerals and agricultural resources
Plateau state is home to about 4.2 million people, but unfortunately, 84% of them are living in poverty.
The state doesn’t generate a lot of money internally as it only managed to raise ₦15.9 billion internally in 2021 which is very low considering the high population.
Plateau State generates income from agriculture, particularly crops like potatoes and maize. However, the farming sector faces challenges such as polluted lands, inadequate storage facilities, and fluctuating market prices, which affect the farmers.
Plateau has beautiful landscapes and a rich culture that could attract tourists. But the tourism industry isn’t doing as well as it could because of the poor road networks and accommodation facilities. The state also has growing insecurity and the state’s governor, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang, has advised that serious steps should be taken to curb the killings and other forms of violent crimes.
Inadequate investment in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure has contributed to the poverty rate of the country.
Taraba State
- Poverty Rate: 79.4% (2022)
- Population: 3.1 million (2016 estimate)
- IGR in 2022: ₦10.2 billion ($28 million)
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦76.3 billion ($184 million)
- Major Industries: Agriculture, solid minerals, tourism
- Natural Resources: Solid minerals and Agricultural products
Taraba State is in northeastern Nigeria with a high poverty rate of 79.4% and IGR of about 10.2 billion naira. Unlike other Nigerian states, Taraba lacks major natural resources like oil, it relies heavily on agriculture. However, poor infrastructure, subsistence farming, insecurity, and unpredictable weather patterns have reduced farm productivity, thereby contributing to the state’s poverty.
Taraba also has limited access to good education and healthcare which has slowed down the development of people’s skills and overall well-being. The insecurity problems and governance issues have discouraged major investment in the state adding to the slow economic growth and development.
Ebonyi State
- Poverty Rate: 78%
- Population: Approximately 2.2 million (2021 estimate)
- IGR in 2021: ₦12.4 billion ($30 million)
- Total Revenue in 2021: Not specified
- Major Industries: Agriculture (rice, yam, maize), solid minerals (lead, limestone), commerce
- Natural Resources: Lead, Crude oil and natural gas
Despite its resources, Ebonyi state is one of the poorest in the country. It is estimated that 78% of the 2.2 million people living in Ebonyi state live in poverty.
Ebonyi State relies heavily on agriculture, particularly rice production and has natural resources but faces challenges such as poor infrastructure, lack of modern agricultural practices, and mismanagement of resources.
The state suffers from inadequate infrastructure, including poor road networks and unreliable electricity supply. This affects economic activities, commercial trade, and investment opportunities, which further increases the poverty rate.
Based on our research, we believe that the limited access to quality healthcare and education which hinders human capital development, and bad governance issues such as corruption and mismanagement of resources are the major causes of poverty in Ebonyi State.
Zamafara
- Poverty Rate: 78% (2022)
- Population: 9.279 million (2021 estimate)
- IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) in 2021: ₦12,964 Billion
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦75,628 million
- Major Industries: Agriculture and gold mining
- Natural Resources: Minerals, gemstones, and clay
The National Social Registry has identified Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria as one of the country’s poorest states. Zamfara is one of Nigeria’s most struggling states, with 3,836,484 people living in 825,337 homes categorized as poor or vulnerable.
Zamfara’s climate, with temperatures as high as 38°C, affects agricultural activities, which employ over 80% of the population. The Hausa people who are the majority of the population have significant economic issues as a result of rapid population growth and limited resources. Despite federal poverty-reduction efforts, the Zamfara crisis demonstrates Nigeria’s uneven economic development.
Benue State
- Poverty Rate: 75%
- Population: Approximately 6.8 million (2021 estimate)
- IGR in 2021: Not specified
- Total Revenue in 2021: ₦15.9 billion ($38 million)
- Major Industries: Agriculture (cassava, yam, soybeans), livestock farming, commerce
- Natural Resources: Minerals and Agricultural Resources
Benue State in north-central Nigeria has a high poverty rate with more than half of its population living below the poverty line. The state struggles with infrastructure, education, and healthcare access, contributing to its high poverty levels.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), 75% of Benue State’s population is multidimensionally poor meaning they lack access to education, good health, living standards, work, and basic services.
A study also found that 70% of rural farming households in Benue State are impoverished. In 2020, the unemployment rate in Benue was around 12%, which states that 12% of the labour force worked less than 20 hours per week or were completely inactive.
Benue has a population of approximately 6.8 million people as of 2021. and the state’s total revenue in 2021 was ₦15.9 billion ($38 million) which is very low.
Agriculture is the main industry, focusing on cassava, yam, soybeans, and livestock farming. Though there are Commercial farming activities, most farmers are subsistence-based. This leads to low production levels resulting in low income for farmers and limited economic diversification. Many small businesses and farmers in Benue lack access to funds, making it difficult for them to invest in their businesses and improve their production.
The state’s poor infrastructure, including roads, power, and water supply, has affected the economic growth. Benue also faces significant security issues with the herdsmen, Boko Haram, amongst many others. This has negatively impacted the state’s economy by sending away investment and tourism. Additionally, corruption and a lack of accountability in governance have led to mismanagement of public funds.
Conclusion
The poorest states in Nigeria have high poverty rates, and the population do not have access to basic amenities. One of the common things about these states is that they rely heavily on agriculture, often using traditional methods, and lack diverse industries and job opportunities.
They also face other challenges like bad roads, poor electricity, lack of quality education and high insecurity.
To improve, these states need to diversify their economies, improve infrastructure, invest in education and healthcare, modernize farming practices, attract new businesses, and ensure better distribution of resources.
Addressing these challenges will take time, effort, and good leadership. However, it’s important for improving the lives of millions of Nigerians and improving the country as a whole.