UNDP Report Ranks Zamfara Fifth Among Nigeria’s Poorest States Despite Higher Revenue Allocation

A 2026 UNDP Multidimensional Poverty Index report ranks Kebbi, Yobe, Sokoto, Jigawa and Zamfara as the five states most affected by multidimensional poverty in Nigeria. The findings assess deprivation in areas such as education, health, housing, sanitation, water and access to basic services. Kebbi was ranked first, followed by Yobe and Sokoto. The report links poverty across the affected states to poor school attendance, malnutrition, inadequate water and sanitation, limited job opportunities and weak infrastructure. Insecurity and displacement also worsen conditions in parts of the North-West. Zamfara placed fifth despite increased revenue allocation. School closures caused by bandit attacks, high numbers of out-of-school children, youth unemployment and shortages of clean water, decent housing and cooking energy were identified as major concerns.

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