The reasons for the poverty in these states are often multifaceted and can include factors such as lack of infrastructure, low access to education and healthcare, limited economic opportunities, and issues related to governance and corruption.
Here are the top 10 poorest states in Nigeria according to GDP per capita in 2022:
10. Taraba
Taraba State in Nigeria struggles with poverty due to challenges like limited access to modern agricultural practices, inadequate infrastructure, low industrialization, poor education and healthcare services, security issues, and governance problems. Its heavy reliance on agriculture is hampered by inconsistent rainfall and a lack of modern techniques. Insufficient infrastructure and industrialization limit economic diversification and job opportunities. Additionally, conflicts and security concerns disrupt economic activities, while inadequate education and healthcare hinder human capital development. Addressing these multifaceted issues requires comprehensive efforts to improve agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, governance, and security.
9. Bauchi
Bauchi State’s poverty is driven by factors like limited modern agricultural practices, minimal industrialization leading to economic dependence, inadequate education, and healthcare services, poor infrastructure affecting trade, governance challenges, security issues, and cultural constraints. Insufficient agricultural productivity, low economic diversification, and inadequate access to essential services hinder development. A comprehensive approach addressing these concerns is crucial for improving Bauchi State’s economic prospects and reducing poverty.
8. Adamawa
Adamawa State grapples with elevated poverty levels due to factors such as conflict-induced internal displacement, limited access to quality education and healthcare services, challenges in agriculture marked by inadequate infrastructure and climate variability, restricted industrialization, and governance issues. Disruptions from conflicts have strained resources, while insufficient education and healthcare hinder human capital development. Dependence on specific sectors, poor infrastructure, and governance concerns further hinder economic progress. Addressing these issues through conflict resolution, improved social services, sustainable agriculture, economic diversification, infrastructure enhancement, and governance reforms is crucial to uplift Adamawa State’s economic prospects and alleviating poverty.
7. Yobe
Yobe State also faces elevated poverty rates due to a combination of factors, including limited access to quality education and healthcare services hindering human capital development, challenges in agriculture stemming from inadequate infrastructure and traditional farming methods, security concerns and conflict disrupting economic activities, poor infrastructure such as unreliable electricity supply and transportation systems, governance issues affecting public service effectiveness, and sociocultural norms constraining economic opportunities. A comprehensive approach that addresses these challenges through improved education and healthcare, sustainable agriculture, security measures, infrastructure development, governance reforms, and empowering marginalized groups is essential to uplift Yobe State’s economy and alleviate poverty.
6. Zamfara
Zamfara State confronts significant challenges contributing to its high poverty levels, including limited access to modern agricultural methods, inadequate infrastructure affecting farming and trade, and climate variability. Despite its mineral-rich potential, issues like illegal mining, poor resource management, and insufficient regulation hinder economic growth. Additionally, restricted access to quality education and healthcare services limits human capital development, while security concerns disrupt economic activities and discourage investment. Governance issues, including corruption and mismanagement of resources, can undermine development efforts, limit public services’ effectiveness, and deter investments. Disparities in wealth distribution and limited opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women, can hinder inclusive economic development.
5. Gombe
Gombe State, situated in northeastern Nigeria, faces a combination of challenges that contribute to its relatively low economic development and high poverty rates. The state’s economy is primarily agrarian, with challenges such as inadequate industrialization and diversification leading to a dependency on a single sector, making it vulnerable to market fluctuations and economic shocks. It is a predominantly rural state with a low level of industrialization. The illiteracy rate in Gombe is also very high, at 41.3%. Limited access to quality education and healthcare services hampers human capital development, restricting opportunities for residents to improve their economic well-being. While agriculture is a key livelihood, challenges like inadequate infrastructure and traditional farming methods can limit agricultural productivity and income. Like other states in northeastern Nigeria, Gombe has experienced security challenges and conflicts, disrupting economic activities and discouraging investments.
4. Kebbi
Kebbi is a state in the northwest of Nigeria that is predominantly a rural state with a low level of industrialization. The illiteracy rate in Kebbi is also very high, at 38.7%. Reliance on agriculture without diversification renders its economy susceptible to external market fluctuations. Limited access to quality education and healthcare services hampers human capital development, constraining opportunities for residents to escape poverty. Inadequate infrastructure, including poor roads and unreliable electricity, impede trade and overall economic growth.
3. Jigawa
Jigawa State’s poverty levels are attributed to limited industrialization, economic dependence on agriculture susceptible to market fluctuations, and challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and climate variations affecting agricultural productivity. The illiteracy rate in Jigawa is also very high, at 40.4%. Inadequate access to quality education and healthcare services restricts human capital development, and weak governance and corruption further impede progress. Sociocultural norms also play a role in limiting economic opportunities, particularly for women.
2. Bayelsa
Bayelsa is a state in the south-south of Nigeria. It is a major oil-producing state, but the wealth from oil has not been evenly distributed. The illiteracy rate in Bayelsa is also high, at 35.6%. The oil industry’s activities have led to environmental pollution, which affects agriculture, fishing, and overall livelihoods, limiting economic opportunities and exacerbating poverty. Poor road networks, electricity shortages, and insufficient transportation systems impede trade, business growth, and overall economic development.
1. Sokoto
Sokoto State, situated in northwestern Nigeria, contends with a series of interconnected challenges that impact its economic progress and contribute to its elevated poverty rates. The state’s predominantly agrarian economy faces limitations in agricultural productivity due to issues such as outdated farming methods, inadequate infrastructure, and climate variations. The illiteracy rate in Sokoto is also very high, at 39.4%. Restricted access to quality education and healthcare services further constrains human capital development, hindering opportunities for residents to break free from poverty. Inadequate infrastructure, including deficient road networks and unreliable electricity supply, obstructs trade and business growth. Weakened governance, corruption, and sociocultural norms that limit opportunities for women also play roles in perpetuating poverty.
The source for the top 10 poorest states in Nigeria according to GDP per capita in 2022 is the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The NBS is the official statistical agency of Nigeria, and it publishes data on a variety of economic and social indicators, including GDP per capita.
