World Bank: Poverty in Nigeria Tops 63% in 2025 Despite Easing Inflation

A new World Bank Nigeria Development Update reveals that 63% of Nigerians lived below the poverty line in 2025, up from 56% in 2023. This rise occurred even as headline inflation fell from 34.8% to 15.15%, and food inflation dropped from 39.8% to 10.8% over the same period. The report warns that household incomes have not kept pace with still-elevated prices, and that earlier inflation spikes eroded real wages. It also highlights structural imbalances, noting that growth in services and industry has outstripped agriculture, where more than half of the poor work. Global shocks, especially higher energy and food costs linked to the Middle East conflict, continue to strain low-income families. While a gradual decline in poverty is forecast from 2026, the World Bank stresses the need for inclusive growth, stronger job creation, and investments in early childhood development to accelerate welfare gains.

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