Nigerian Lawmakers Urge Government to Harmonize Poverty Alleviation Programs Amid Rising Poverty and Food Insecurity

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to harmonize poverty alleviation programs to combat the increasing poverty rates and food insecurity affecting millions of Nigerians. Lawmakers highlighted that 139 million Nigerians, representing 61% of the population, live below the national poverty line, with projections indicating a rise to 141 million by 2026.

The situation is exacerbated by economic pressures, inflation, and weak growth. The World Food Programme projects that 35 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity by 2026, particularly in the North East region, which is predominantly agrarian and severely affected by insurgency.

Lawmakers emphasized the need for the government to support agriculture recovery programs, provide access to inputs, credit, and extension services, and strengthen food security initiatives to alleviate poverty and hunger.