Tag Archive for: Poverty In Nigeria

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Reducing School Dropout Rates In Nigeria

School DropOut Rates In NigeriaDaramola Toluwalope Oluwaseun, founder of the Menitos Charity Foundation, leads an organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged children complete basic education and pursue vocational opportunities. She notes that school dropout rates are shaped by multiple factors, including poverty, drug abuse, child neglect or abuse, limited access to opportunities and deeply rooted limiting beliefs.

Menitos introduced a feeding program in 2019, and by 2022, more than 7,000 underprivileged pupils had benefited. The organization’s outreach model is intentionally community-rooted. Most beneficiaries are identified through schools or during grassroots engagement events, and are then invited to a center where they receive empowerment materials. This approach ensures support reaches children in environments where need is most visible.

Toluwalope explained that the program equips children with essential educational tools while motivating them to pursue their academic goals. Furthermore, the school lunch intervention further boosts attendance by providing nutritious meals to children who come to school. According to Toluwalope, the foundation aims not only to tackle hunger-related barriers but also to create a supportive environment that nurtures students’ well-being.

Causes of School Dropout Rates in Nigeria

Toluwalope described school dropout rates in Nigeria as rarely a single event but rather a gradual erosion driven by a “poverty of hope.” Economic pressure often pushes children into petty trade or manual labor to support their families. Missing a few classes leads to falling behind, and many withdraw permanently. A lack of guiding figures creates a “ceiling effect,” where education is seen as a luxury rather than a pathway out of poverty.

Poverty acts as the baseline stressor. It manifests as chronic hunger, which directly affects cognitive function and classroom behavior, making it harder for children to learn and stay engaged. Menitos views drug abuse as both a cause and a symptom of school disengagement. Children in neglectful environments are more likely to be exposed to substance use by older peers or guardians, often turning to drugs as a coping mechanism for trauma, instability or boredom.

Educational neglect often appears as what Toluwalope calls “educational abandonment.” Parents overwhelmed by economic hardship may become less involved in their child’s schooling or fail to provide basic supplies. This leaves the child emotionally disconnected from the school system.

The WACANDA Program

To address rising school dropout rates in Nigeria, Toluwalope created the War Against Child Abuse and Drug Abuse (WACANDA) sensitization program. The initiative travels across schools and communities to raise awareness about drug demand reduction, child rights and reporting channels, and provides psychosocial support through volunteer psychologists and counselors.

The program is built on “hyper-local engagement.” Instead of formal lectures, Menitos uses community town halls, street theatre and peer-to-peer workshops to de-stigmatize difficult conversations. This approach brings the issue to the doorstep of communities and transforms passive bystanders into active protectors of children’s rights.

Psychosocial Support Services for At-Risk Children

Menitos’s volunteer psychologists and counselors provide trauma-informed support through three key services:

  • Individual counseling, addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and low self-esteem.
  • Group therapy creates safe spaces for children to process shared community trauma.
  • Crisis intervention, offering immediate emotional stabilization for families in acute distress.

The Back2School Initiative

Menitos has reached more than 2,000 children through its Back2School projects. Launched nearly a decade ago, the annual program provides essential school supplies — including textbooks, bags and uniforms — to reduce dropout rates. In its early years, the program supported more than 200 beneficiaries annually.

The initiative identifies at-risk children through community mapping. Volunteers collaborate with teachers to flag students with high absenteeism or those lacking uniforms and books. Once identified, children receive a Success Kit, which includes supplies, uniforms and a mentor. Parents also sign a Commitment Pact to ensure consistent school attendance. Sustainable funding turns one-off donations into multi-year partnerships, allowing Menitos to support a child from primary school through graduation.

Community Engagement Models

Menitos operates through a multi-stakeholder model. Schools serve as an early-warning system, parents participate in Caregiver Circles where they receive tools to support their children’s education, and Menitos partners with health care nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to address medical needs that may hinder school attendance.

One of the most notable shifts resulting from Menitos’s work is an increase in community reporting. Residents now flag cases of abuse or neglect that previously went unaddressed. This has led to renewed interest in schooling, higher attendance rates and a decline in the normalization of drug use among teenagers.

In one case, a young boy’s father refused to buy him school supplies. After the school contacted Menitos, the team convinced the father to support his son’s return to education, assuring him that supplies and ICT fees would be covered. With the right resources, parents and caregivers become more willing to keep their children in school, reducing both dropout rates and vulnerability to drug abuse.

Challenges and the Path to Broader Access

Toluwalope identifies entrenched silence as one of the biggest challenges. In many underserved communities, drug abuse and domestic issues are viewed as private matters. Breaking through this code of silence requires patience and long-term trust-building rooted in nonjudgmental engagement.

There is also a growing need for vocational integration. For older teenagers who have missed years of schooling, traditional primary education may no longer be suitable. Bridging formal education with technical skills can create pathways to employment and long-term stability.

To maximize impact, Menitos requires mobile counseling units to reach remote areas, digital tracking tools to monitor long-term progress and temporary shelters for children in unsafe environments. Indeed, with adequate resources, Menitos can expand its reach across Nigeria and continue supporting vulnerable children through education, psychosocial care and community engagement.

– Gabriela E Silva

Gabriela is based in A Coruña, Spain and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Cargo Containers as Affordable Housing for Nigerians

Cargo Containers as Affordable HousingNigeria is currently facing an immense housing crisis. First, there is a fundamental shortage of homes to meet the needs of its rapidly growing population. According to the 2025 Nigeria Housing Report published by the Sixteenth Council, the country faces a housing deficit of more than 17 million units. With one of the highest fertility rates in Africa, around 4.4 births per woman, Nigeria’s demand for housing continues to rise sharply, placing increasing pressure on already limited supply.

Second, beyond the material shortage itself, many existing homes are deemed structurally inadequate. A significant number of homes are built in unsafe conditions, such as on weak stilts over water or lack access to basic services like proper sanitation and electricity. In response to these challenges, an innovative solution has begun to gain attention: “cargotecture.” Derived from the original word architecture, this emerging approach involves repurposing cargo containers as affordable housing units. 

The Advantages of Container Homes

One key reason shipping containers have become increasingly important as land-based structures is their durability. Companies such as Karmod Nigeria, which operates in more than 25 states, note that these structures are engineered for long-term use. Built primarily from steel, they offer strong structural integrity and present a practical option for affordable housing in low-income communities. 

Steel is highly durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions, reducing the need for frequent repairs and lowering long-term maintenance costs. This makes container-based housing a cost-effective solution in different climates and seasons. Beyond everyday environmental conditions, steel containers also perform well under extreme stresses, including earthquakes. 

Originally built to endure long journeys across rough oceans, these containers are designed for strength and resilience. Their robust structure makes them a reliable option in areas with recorded seismic activity, such as Nigeria, which has experienced earthquakes as high as magnitude 4.9. Another material advantage lies in cargo container flooring. Since the base structure is already reinforced, it requires little additional support. 

Floors can be finished quickly with lightweight, cost-effective materials such as bamboo, timber and polyvinyl chloride tiles, which are often cheaper than hardwood used in traditional homes. This helps reduce overall construction costs, making housing more accessible and practical for low-income communities. Fire resistance is another notable benefit of cargo containers. 

In a country like Nigeria, where temperatures remain consistently high, the risk of fire can increase. A 1977 U.S. Coast Guard study found that fires in containers caused minimal structural damage and were unlikely to spread to nearby units. This shows that steel shipping containers are largely non-combustible, offering a safer and more reliable housing option for people who might otherwise live in low-cost areas with higher fire risks. 

Closing Remarks

Ultimately, container homes have evolved from export transport units into lightweight, quickly assembled housing solutions for Nigerians who may not have the means to buy fully furnished luxury homes. Known for their durability, these pre-built structures offer a practical response to the country’s housing crisis. Their growing appeal is also reflected in the expanding global market.

Reports show the container homes market generated $44.76 billion in 2017 and was projected to reach $73.07 billion by 2025, highlighting the real potential of cargo containers as affordable housing.

– Sophia Lupo

Sophia is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Food Insecurity in Nigeria and Okra’s Value

Food Insecurity in NigeriaFood insecurity in Nigeria affects an estimated 35 million people, including 17 million children facing malnutrition. This marks one of the most severe hunger crises in Africa and places Nigeria among the countries with the highest global burden of hunger. Political conflict and climate-related shocks, including drought, have only exacerbated the crisis, making it difficult to cultivate certain foods.

Okra

One food that is heavily relied on in Nigeria is okra. Sometimes called “lady’s finger,” it is native to Africa and is used in many Nigerian cultural dishes. “Of what I have seen in West Africa, okra is most commonly found in the home garden or closer horticultural patches that are managed rather than large-scale cereal production systems, though it can be intercropped,” says Laurajean Lewis, the global director of genetic resources at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico, in an interview with The Borgen Project.

“Okra is not a cereal. It is typically eaten green and you are generally harvesting the seed pods. Sometimes they are cut up and dried, then reconstituted later. They’re from the same plant family as hibiscus, just different species. The flowers of okra are harvested for tea,” Lewis shared.

How Better Okra Breeding Could Boost Nigerian Farmers

The African Vegetable Breeding Consortium (AVBC) is working with farmers in West Africa to explore how okra can be better positioned for the market. Okra is already highly valued in West African markets for its role in regional cuisine, but expanding its potential could increase its global appeal. The AVBC also supports vegetable breeding and crossbreeding different okra varieties could further strengthen the crop’s market potential.

Despite serving as an important source of nutrition for many people, okra has far less monetary value than traditional cash crops such as corn, rice and wheat. However, some scientists are working to improve okra’s marketability by focusing on one of its most distinctive traits: its sliminess. When cooked, okra produces mucilage, which is made primarily of pectin, a substance found in the cell walls of fruits and vegetables. 

Pectin is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in food processing, as well as a dissolvable additive in pharmaceuticals that target the colon. Globally, pectin is highly valuable and is typically extracted from citrus peels such as oranges and lemons. Researchers suggest that okra could serve as an alternative source of pectin, particularly in West Africa, where it is widely grown and used. 

This could be especially relevant for regional chocolate production, as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire produce more than half of the world’s cocoa. Reducing reliance on imported pectin could help lower costs and improve supply efficiency for manufacturers in the region.

Final Remarks

Food insecurity in Nigeria remains a persistent challenge. However, with support from AVBC, okra has the potential to evolve from a subsistence crop into a viable cash crop that can support local farmers.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Nigeria

Fragility and Rule of Law in NigeriaFragility in Nigeria is closely linked to persistent weaknesses in the rule of law, shaped by insecurity, institutional capacity gaps and challenges in legal enforcement. The justice and security sectors face structural constraints, including resource shortages, case backlogs, corruption and limited accountability mechanisms. These challenges are compounded by incidents in which state security actors themselves have been implicated in rights violations, further weakening institutional legitimacy. Fiscal pressures and governance bottlenecks have constrained the state’s ability to deliver consistent, equitable justice across regions.

In response, institutional reforms and active interventions are underway with a focus on police professionalization, human-rights-based policing and justice system capacity building. Complementary civil society initiatives work to expand access to justice, reduce pre-trial detention and improve legal awareness among vulnerable populations. Together, these efforts illustrate ongoing attempts to strengthen rule of law and reduce fragility in Nigeria. However, their long-term effectiveness will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate financing and coordinated implementation.

Fragility and Rule of Law in Nigeria

According to independent assessments, Nigeria’s rule of law remains weak by global standards. In the 2025 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, Nigeria ranked 120th out of 143 countries and 23rd out of 34 sub-Saharan African countries. This highlights systemic challenges in accountability, public security and the protection of rights.

The Index evaluates eight key dimensions: Constraints on Government Powers, Order and Security, Open Government, Absence of Corruption, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, Fundamental Rights and Criminal Justice. Nigeria’s particularly low performance in Order and Security reflects widespread insecurity and limited state control over violence.

These findings align with broader governance indicators. The Mo Ibrahim Index ranks Nigeria 33rd out of 53 African countries, with a score of 45.7. It notes a decline in security and rule-of-law indicators between 2014 and 2023.

Security Crises Undermining Rule of Law

Fragility in Nigeria is most visible in the security sector. Armed groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, alongside criminal networks, continue to operate across regions such as the northwest and north-central. These groups contribute to killings, kidnappings and widespread instability.

In February 2026, an attack in Kwara State reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 170 villagers during clashes involving militant groups attempting to impose extremist control. The actions of state actors have also raised concerns. In December 2025, Nigerian Army personnel opened fire on protesters in Adamawa State, killing nine women and prompting condemnation over excessive force and lack of accountability.

These incidents demonstrate how both nonstate violence and state impunity erode legal structures and public confidence in governance institutions.

Structural Challenges Within Governance and Justice

Multiple structural weaknesses continue to undermine Nigeria’s rule of law. Corruption and impunity remain significant barriers. The World Justice Project estimates that corruption has cost Nigeria more than $550 billion since independence, weakening both legal enforcement and economic development.

Institutional capacity gaps further complicate enforcement. Security agencies, courts and law enforcement bodies often lack adequate resources, training and accountability systems. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) notes that high crime levels and limited capacity overburden Nigeria’s justice system.

Civil liberties concerns also persist. Restrictions on dissent and shrinking civic space have been identified as threats to democratic governance and the rule of law. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality before the law and fair hearing, judicial delays and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to undermine legal legitimacy.

Active Solutions and Institutional Reforms

Efforts are underway to strengthen Nigeria’s rule of law through institutional reforms and civil society engagement. The UNDP, through its Global Program for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security (2022–2025), has partnered with Nigerian authorities to enhance institutional capacity, promote human-rights-based policing and support legal reforms.

In 2023, the UNDP collaborated with the Police Service Commission to implement a strategic plan (2024–2025). The plan included training approximately 1,200 police trainers in human rights, gender-sensitive policing and intelligence management. Nigeria has also drafted a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, integrating rights-based governance into national policy frameworks.

Civil society organizations are also contributing significantly:

  • Citizens’ Gavel uses technology to improve court transparency and connect vulnerable individuals with pro bono legal services, helping reduce delays.
  • Hope Behind Bars Africa provides legal aid to pretrial detainees, supporting prison decongestion and accelerating justice processes.
  • The Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC) promotes legislative transparency and civic engagement.
  • The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) focuses on anti-corruption and anti-trafficking advocacy.

These initiatives strengthen accountability and expand access to justice across Nigeria.

Policy Implications and Prospects for Stability

Strengthening judicial independence, improving rights-based policing and expanding civic participation are essential for reversing Nigeria’s fragility trends. However, progress will depend on sustained political will, consistent funding and effective coordination across institutions. Without these, structural challenges, particularly insecurity, fiscal constraints and governance inefficiencies, will continue to hinder the full realization of the rule of law.

– Felix Umeobi

Felix is based in Nigeria and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Amaranth and Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Food Insecurity in NigeriaNigeria is a country in West Africa currently experiencing a hunger crisis. An estimated 35 million people are living with acute food insecurity, and 4.8 million require immediate nutritional assistance. Ensuring people in Nigeria are fed is one of the most important ways to address poverty in rural communities.

One of the crops used to combat food insecurity is frequently grown in Nigeria but rarely planted. Amaranth is common throughout the hot and humid regions of Nigeria and is often maintained rather than sown. It grows naturally throughout the countryside, and deliberately planted varieties are often found in gathering spaces where many people in the community can benefit from them.

The Benefits of Amaranth

When the rainy season begins, amaranth flourishes and grows quickly. After about three to five weeks, the leaves can be harvested and eaten or sold. It is a stable yield crop, meaning that while yields may not be large, it will almost always provide some yield, regardless of drought or pests.

According to Laurajean Lewis, the global director of genetic resources at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico, amaranth is one of the few plants that grows almost everywhere in the world. Lewis explained that because farmers harvest the leaves rather than the seeds, the plant reseeds itself, and seeds can also be collected and replanted in new areas.

Amaranth is a resilient plant and is important for nutrition in Nigeria. In some places, it accounts for up to 25% of Nigerians’ daily protein intake. Sometimes referred to as a nutritional powerhouse by scientists, it also contains high levels of folic acid and calcium, which are important for pregnant or lactating women.

Barriers to Cultivation

The general outlook on amaranth is negative. It is seen as a poverty staple, and in some places it is considered acceptable only for feeding livestock. One variety is called pigweed because of the belief that it is only suitable for pigs. Despite this perception, it is widely eaten and sometimes intercropped with high-yielding crops such as corn. Its leaves are often boiled and eaten like spinach, with a mild flavor said to resemble artichoke. It also produces edible seeds, making the plant dual-purpose for many. The seeds can be ground into a flour that is well-suited for baby food and is important for childhood development.

Improving Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Amaranth is seen as a poverty food in West Africa, and especially in Nigeria, but it plays an important role in supporting rural communities and providing essential vitamins and minerals to many. It also offers nutritional support for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women and older adults. As food insecurity continues to affect millions of Nigerians, amaranth remains a practical and culturally significant tool in the fight against hunger and rural poverty.

– Eddie Hofmann

Eddie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction and Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Women Entrepreneurs in NigeriaWomen entrepreneurs in Nigeria are redefining women’s roles in society and the greatest beneficiary of their inclusion in the entrepreneurship space is the economy. Women in entrepreneurship of Nigeria have played an increasingly significant role in reducing poverty. This shift comes after being previously excluded from formal employment and financial opportunities due to traditional systems that limited women’s participation in business.

Female-led companies have created jobs, driven local economic growth and expanded access to essential goods and services across sectors. Here are some ways women entrepreneurs continue to strengthen the economy of Nigeria while advancing broader efforts to reduce poverty.

Improving Access To Essential Health Services

Olamide Orekunrin was on one of her frequent visits to her home city, Lagos, when her sister became critically ill. With no equipment or drugs to revive her and no reliable way to get her to a hospital, the situation quickly turned critical. What would have been easily accessible lifesaving care in many places instead exposed a gap in Lagos’ health system that led to her sister’s untimely death.

This motivated Orekunrin to start Flying Doctors, a medical emergency service specializing in air ambulances. The organization introduced the first air ambulance service in Nigeria and West Africa. Flying Doctors has successfully evacuated victims of road accidents, bomb blasts, fire outbreaks and other mishaps across Africa. 

Female-led businesses like Flying Doctors combine passion with humanitarianism and have helped ensure that all Nigerians have access to essential emergency medical services.

Supporting Community Development

When it comes to entrepreneurship, women-led businesses reinvest up to 90% of income back into their families and communities, compared to 30–40% for men. Female entrepreneurs in Nigeria have launched initiatives such as skills-training programs, education services and other community-focused enterprises. Tutoring and educational initiatives help keep children in school longer.

Each additional year of schooling for girls can increase future earnings by up to 20%. Child care centers enable mothers to remain in the workforce and accelerate their career paths while balancing motherhood. Skills and training programs do the same. These services, which allow more women to join the workforce and children to stay in school longer, are tackling both child poverty and female poverty.

Job Creations

With women accounting for 43% of micro-enterprise ownership and about 40% of early-stage entrepreneurial activity, their businesses are a major source of employment and income in communities where poverty is widespread. Women-owned businesses employ several low-income women and youth. These businesses provide essential services like tailoring and clothing, transportation and logistics, food retail and hospitality and digital services and e-commerce.

These businesses not only expand access to affordable everyday services in underserved communities, but also create jobs for the people in those communities. In doing so, they are reducing reliance on Nigeria’s limited formal job market. By generating income and supporting more sustainable livelihoods, women-led enterprises are helping households and communities lift themselves out of extreme poverty.

Final Remarks

Ultimately, women-owned businesses often serve female customers and underserved communities, especially in informal sectors and rural areas. Through business networks and support systems, women are also better able to overcome barriers to finance, market access and formal business opportunities. In many cases, women-led enterprises create jobs and income opportunities for other women and young people in their communities in Nigeria.

This ripple effect strengthens local economies while expanding opportunities for groups historically excluded from formal work. Across Nigeria, female entrepreneurs are expanding access to financial services, health care, education, food and employment. From agriculture to digital finance, women-led enterprises are filling critical service gaps in underserved communities and driving more inclusive economic growth.

– Yemi Mary John

Yemi is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Addressing Poverty in Nigeria’s Rural Communities

Poverty in Nigeria's Rural CommunitiesWhile Nigeria has high growth potential, immense poverty exists in neglected areas. However, organizations like the Rural Poverty Reduction and Empowerment Initiative (RPREI) are doing great work. They are empowering local communities to identify, plan and manage microsocial infrastructure projects, such as school repairs, water supplies and clinic repairs, giving them control over funds to prevent corruption.

Poverty in Nigeria

According to a World Bank report, as of 2025, 75.5% of Nigeria’s rural population was living below the poverty line. This is in comparison to just 41.3% of the urban population in the country. These numbers have increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to continue rising, given the current situation.

There is a clear inequity in the country’s economy, leaving many areas ignored by certain initiatives and programs. Confounding factors, such as limited access to education in some rural areas, also contribute to inequality. As a result, many organizations have emerged to specifically support Nigeria’s rural communities.

The RPREI

The RPREI is a nongovernmental, apolitical organization that works to reduce rural poverty in Nigeria. It aids impoverished communities and, overall, sustains safe and healthy lives for Nigerians. The nonprofit addresses these issues through a variety of initiatives. 

These include empowering Nigeria’s rural communities, promoting climate-smart agriculture, providing clean water, preventing HIV/AIDS, providing relief after natural disasters, supporting women and children and building communities. Over the past 15 years, the RPREI has worked on six projects across 10 local government areas. By working with the youth to create long-lasting projects, its mission continues to grow. 

It has also ensured equality among its programs, prioritizing women and farmers. It is through these actions that the initiative gets closer to its goal of breaking the cycle of rural poverty in Nigeria. It hopes to help in creating strong communities that continue to thrive.

ActionAid Nigeria

Originally established in 1999, ActionAid Nigeria is also a nonprofit that is a part of the greater ActionAid International Federation. Its work focuses on eliminating oppression and poverty in Nigeria and achieving justice. It works directly with communities experiencing poverty and prejudice to do so. 

ActionAid Nigeria aims to empower communities to make a larger-scale impact. By starting local movements across the country and supporting existing campaigns, its advocacy work is more likely to be recognized by the government and the private sector. ActionAid Nigeria is working to bring about sustainable change for rural populations across Nigeria.

One initiative it helped start is the Local Rights Program (LRP), founded in 2005. It funded the program to improve the quality of life for women and children in rural areas through local policy.

Lutheran World Relief

While it began operations in Europe in 1945, Lutheran World Relief now helps impoverished communities across the globe, including those in Nigeria. The organization has established a significant presence in Nigeria, focusing on agricultural development and strengthening smallholder farmers, particularly in cocoa-producing communities. Its work in Nigeria specifically aims to increase rural incomes and build agricultural resilience. 

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program and others, Lutheran World Relief is helping to implement the Traceability and Resilience in Agriculture and Cocoa Ecosystems of Nigeria (TRACE) project. TRACE is a five-year program, running from 2022 to 2027, that increases cocoa productivity in the country through climate-smart agriculture and supports Nigeria’s cocoa in the market. It has been implemented in many of the country’s cocoa-producing states. 

The project aims to train 51,000 smallholder farmers and provide 68,400 farmers with access to larger markets. By working with smaller farms in rural communities and connecting them to the broader market, Lutheran World Relief is strengthening these communities’ economies and reducing poverty across Nigeria.

Final Remarks

Even though poverty rates in Nigeria continue to rise, the RPREI, ActionAid Nigeria and Lutheran World Relief remain steadfast in their missions. As long as poverty persists in the country, organizations like these will continue to work hard to support citizens in rural areas.

– Megan McGrath

Megan is based in Verona, NJ, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Eliminating Food Scarcity in Nigeria With Mechanized Agriculture

Food Scarcity in NigeriaAgriculture is the lifeblood of Nigeria. The country has vast fertile land, perfect for raising livestock and cultivating crops such as yams, maize and cocoa. Agriculture makes up more than 20% of the country’s GDP and farming is the number one source of employment. Nigeria’s agricultural output potential is massive, but it is rarely realized due to high poverty rates.

However, this is changing. Through recent programs, mechanized agriculture is reaching Nigeria’s hardworking farmers, enabling them to vastly increase their yields. With the continued success of these programs, food scarcity in Nigeria is set to decrease exponentially.

The Unique State of Nigeria’s Agriculture

Out of Nigeria’s population of 232 million, more than 60% are multidimensionally poor. This means that farmers are forced to operate on a community scale rather than expanding their work to a commercial level. About 80% of Nigeria’s farmers operate on this smaller scale and still, they account for more than 90% of agricultural output.

Usually, farmers in Nigeria can barely provide for themselves and their communities. Their work is essential, but never enough. The domestic demand for farm products in Nigeria is so large that, despite being Africa’s top rice producer, the country still imported 2.9 million tons of rice in 2014. As a result of poverty, Nigerian farmers rarely have access to basic modern farming inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides or mechanization, including tractors.

How Mechanized Agriculture Is Making a Difference

In 2018, a deal was made between John Deere, the American tractor company, its distributor, the Tata Group and Alluvial, a Nigerian agricultural company that works with smallholder farmers. Together, the two companies formulated an agreement that has been revolutionary for Nigeria’s small farmers.

At Alluvial’s request, John Deere has agreed to begin leasing 300 tractors to smallholder farmers of Nigeria within the Niger Delta region, an area of significant food scarcity that is home to more than 100,00 farmers. These 300 tractors are now available to lease at only $100 per acre of land for use in their everyday farming duties.

With this project, Alluvial’s goal is to unite Nigeria’s smallholder farmers into a commercial workforce. Furthermore, the aim is to supply them with the materials needed to expand their agricultural operations. Alluvial’s owner, Dimieari Von Kemedi, hopes to raise these farmers to a level where their crops can be sold across Nigeria and, eventually, beyond Africa.

What Is Next?

The Nigerian government has begun investing more in its farmers. In May of 2018, the government bought 10,000 more tractors to lease to farmers. Alluvial’s initiative has already inspired more change than was ever anticipated. 

And even now, the initiative continues. Nigeria’s federal government has been continuously purchasing more tractors and other farming equipment to sustain agricultural growth. In September of 2025, the government distributed 2,000 more tractors and 9,000 other pieces of machinery.

Many people in Nigeria are still going hungry and farmers are still struggling to keep up with demand. But this initiative, which began in 2018, has introduced a potential solution that is still being implemented today. As long as projects like this continue, positive change is inevitable.

– Lucas Cain

Lucas is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Updates on SDG 3 in Nigeria

SDG 3 in NigeriaThe progress of Nigeria toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on good health and well-being, reflects both policy commitment and persistent development challenges. Health outcomes in Nigeria remain closely tied to poverty, limited healthcare access and uneven infrastructure across rural and urban areas. While government reforms and international partnerships have expanded immunization campaigns and maternal health programs, the country continues to face structural barriers that slow progress toward the 2030 targets.

However, several initiatives at the community and sub-national levels are improving health outcomes. Data-driven health interventions, expanded immunization campaigns and partnerships among government agencies, multilateral partners and civil society organizations continue to strengthen Nigeria’s health system. These targeted efforts demonstrate how improved data systems and coordinated implementation can accelerate progress toward SDG 3 in Nigeria as the 2030 deadline approaches.

Updates on SDG 3 in Nigeria

SDG 3 is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that the United Nations adopted to create a better world by 2030. The goal focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for people of all ages.

In Nigeria, SDG 3 focuses on improving health outcomes by reducing disease, expanding healthcare access and promoting healthier lifestyles. Key priorities include maternal health, reducing child mortality, combating infectious diseases and strengthening mental health services.

Overview of SDG 3 in Nigeria

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals in July 2025 when it presented its Third Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York. The review involved an inclusive national consultation process that engaged stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, including youth, children and persons with disabilities.

The review highlights both progress and persistent structural challenges. Nigeria has improved child survival and expanded immunization campaigns through partnerships with global health organizations. However, rapid population growth, resource limitations and uneven healthcare access continue to slow progress toward SDG 3 targets.

Health outcomes in Nigeria also closely intersect with poverty. According to the World Bank, about 40% of Nigerians live below the national poverty line, which limits access to healthcare, nutrition and sanitation services. Poverty increases the likelihood that families delay medical treatment, skip vaccinations or rely on under-resourced health facilities, particularly in rural communities.

Nigeria’s development strategy also links health improvements to broader economic reforms. The upcoming Medium-Term National Development Plan (2026–2030) prioritizes strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, improving maternal and child health services and expanding digital health data systems. Policymakers designed the plan to increase investment in rural healthcare and expand partnerships with international development agencies to accelerate SDG progress.

Maternal Health and Systemic Challenges

Maternal health remains a critical component of SDG 3 in Nigeria. The country continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, with estimates exceeding 500 deaths per 100,000 live births in recent years. This figure remains far above the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Several structural factors contribute to this challenge. Many women still lack access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care. Rural communities often face shortages of trained healthcare workers, essential medicines and transportation to health facilities. Economic hardship also limits access to maternal care services.

Nigeria’s health authorities have begun addressing these gaps through stronger data systems. Health agencies introduced a real-time national platform that tracks maternal and newborn health outcomes across 54 hospitals. Policymakers use this system to identify treatment gaps and improve healthcare delivery decisions.

Child Mortality and Survival

Child mortality remains a critical public health challenge in Nigeria. According to UNICEF (2024), the country’s under-five mortality rate exceeds 100 deaths per 1,000 live births, far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of 25 per 1,000 by 2030.

Research published in Scientific Reports shows that under-five mortality in Nigeria is strongly linked to socioeconomic and geographic inequalities. More recent evidence indicates that Nigeria accounts for a significant share of global child deaths, with disparities driven by poverty, regional inequalities and access to healthcare. Additional peer-reviewed studies confirm that preventable causes, weak health systems and low immunization coverage remain key barriers to improving child survival outcomes.

Low immunization coverage remains one of the main drivers of child mortality. In 2022, Nigeria recorded more than 2.2 million “zero-dose” children who had not received the first dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the highest number globally.

Immunization

Immunization programs remain central to Nigeria’s SDG 3 strategy. The country achieved major success in eliminating wild poliovirus transmission, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated national campaigns.

However, routine immunization coverage still faces logistical and social barriers in many communities. To address these challenges, Nigeria’s government expanded targeted outreach campaigns through the Community Health Influencers, Promoters and Services (CHIPS) program. The initiative trains community health workers to improve vaccine awareness, track immunization coverage and connect families to local health facilities.

Community-Level Health Actions

Local innovation continues to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare response. One example is the ADVISER program (AI-Driven Vaccination Intervention Optimiser), which health authorities implemented in Oyo State. The initiative uses artificial intelligence to analyze vaccination data and identify households that need targeted outreach.

The program has already improved vaccination delivery strategies for more than 13,000 families by helping health workers identify barriers to immunization and adjust outreach strategies.

Community health initiatives also play a key role in expanding healthcare access beyond formal health facilities. Several organizations operate outreach programs that provide malaria screening, deworming treatments, nutrition assessments and health education for children in underserved areas.

Challenges in Data and Implementation

Nigeria’s 2025 Voluntary National Review also emphasizes the importance of reliable development data for monitoring SDG progress. Policymakers launched Nigeria’s Inclusive Data Charter Action Plan to strengthen the collection and analysis of disaggregated development data.

Improved data systems will help policymakers identify healthcare gaps, measure program outcomes and design targeted interventions that address regional health disparities and gender inequality.

Looking Ahead

Nigeria still faces major obstacles in achieving SDG 3 by 2030, but expanding partnerships, stronger health data systems and increased investment in primary healthcare offer signs of progress. If these reforms continue and policymakers address the link between poverty and health access, Nigeria could significantly reduce preventable deaths and improve well-being for millions of people in the coming years.

– Umeobi Andrew Felix Nonso

Umeobi is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Gender Equality in Nigeria: Fighting For Female Safety

Gender Equality in NigeriaNigeria has a population of 242.4 million, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous in the world. About 46% of Nigeria’s population live below the international poverty line and 3.4 million people are internally displaced including vulnerable women and girls. A further 60% of adolescent girls are absent from secondary school.

Gendered Issues in Nigeria

Gender equality in Nigeria remains an ongoing struggle. According to Girls Not Brides, 12% of girls marry before the age of 15 and 30% before 18. These statistics are influenced by poverty and education rates, with 71% of women with no formal education reporting having married before the age of 18. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), one in three women experiences physical violence by the age of 15, often related to domestic circumstances.

Poverty is a driving factor, as 46% of the population lives below the poverty line. Economic pressures can lead families to arrange early marriages, which perpetuates unequal gender norms and limits women’s educational and professional opportunities.

Women for Women International

Women for Women International (WFWI) is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 that works to support women across 17 countries affected by conflict or injustice. Since 2000, WFWI Nigeria has reached more than 84,306 women. Its flagship program, Stronger Women Stronger Nations (SWSN), promotes gender equality in Nigeria through vocational and financial skills training, academic education, health education and support networks for vulnerable women.

WFWI has also taken action to address the root causes of gender inequality by engaging men. Given the data on domestic abuse, forced marriage and gender-based violence (GBV), WFWI identified that creating allies within the male population in Nigeria is integral to resolving gender inequality.

According to a study published in the Pan African Medical Journal in 2022, the highest prevalence of physical or sexual intimate partner violence was reported in Sub-Saharan Africa, at 65.64%. In Nigeria, information from the 2018 National Demographic Health Survey shows that 33% of women between 15 and 49 experience physical or sexual violence. The prevalence rate of GBV is 74.4% among survivors under 18, further reinforcing the risks for girls in early marriages.

WFWI’s men’s engagement program launched in Nigeria in 2002 with the aim of educating men on women’s health, the social and economic issues women face, and how men can offer support. The program creates focus groups and targets men in the community with religious, military or civil society backgrounds, creating a pathway for these men to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in Nigeria.

Results of SWSN and Men’s Engagement

SWSN has had a measurable impact on gender equality in Nigeria since its launch in 2000. Change agents, women who received SWSN training and spread it through the community, have navigated the challenge of educational equality by establishing a mixed-gender primary school in the state of Bauchi. These agents were responsible for bringing nearly half of the 92 students to this school.

The program has reached more than 92,000 Nigerian women, with more than 5,000 graduating from SWSN in 2024. WFWI reports that graduates doubled their monthly earnings through newly acquired business skills, and 83% of graduates reported feeling actively involved in their public and private lives, compared with 36% at enrollment. Women’s knowledge of their political and national rights increased from 55% to 92%.

In the men’s focus groups, results have also been positive. WFWI acknowledges that women’s empowerment is not only achieved by reducing men’s power but that gender equity also benefits men’s health, household environments, financial matters and communities. Nearly 53,000 men have been reached since 2002, with more than 17,000 joining the project in Nigeria. One man, Murhula, has claimed that “my life has really changed” from his participation. His realization that “We thought that certain jobs are just for men […], but today I can say that the work a man can do, a woman also can do it.”

Looking Ahead

With the continuation of SWSN and the men’s engagement program, progress toward gender equality in Nigeria extends beyond policy into education, homes and communities. WFWI’s model demonstrates that addressing gender inequality requires engaging both women and men.

– Jaya Noonan

Jaya is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash