Sokoto Govt Faults NBS Poverty Rating, Launches Own Survey

The Sokoto State government has criticized the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for ranking the state as having the highest poverty rate in Nigeria, citing insufficient methodology. Commissioner for Budget and Economic Development Abubakar Muhammad Zayyanu expressed this during a workshop with journalists, highlighting the need for a new survey to accurately assess the current poverty levels in the state.

The government, in partnership with consulting firm Red Wire, has launched its own survey to determine any changes since 2022. Zayyanu assured the public of sharing the final findings once the analysis is complete.

Additionally, the state government is working on a new initiative, in collaboration with UNICEF and the EU, to assess economic activity at the ward level to combat poverty. Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already begun gathering data at the ward level to provide targeted solutions.