Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed concern over what he described as a worsening poverty crisis in Nigeria.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official social media page, referencing findings from a policy study released by Agora Policy.
According to him, the report indicates that Nigeria’s poverty rate has risen sharply in recent years.
“The poverty rate in our country has climbed from about 40 per cent before the current reforms to over 63 per cent today,” Obi stated.
With Nigeria’s population estimated at over 220 million people, Obi said the figures suggest that more than 140 million citizens could now be living below the poverty line.
“For a country whose population is estimated at over 220 million people, this means that well above 140 million Nigerians now live in poverty,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State noted that many households across the country are struggling to meet basic needs such as food, transportation, rent and healthcare.
Obi also criticised what he described as a contrast between the economic hardship faced by citizens and the spending patterns of government officials.
“You cannot ask the citizens to fast while you feast. Sacrifice must begin from the top,” he said.
He argued that economic reforms should place greater emphasis on protecting vulnerable households and improving the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The statement triggered mixed reactions from social media users.
One user identified as Igala Girl criticised the former presidential candidate, accusing him of being part of the political class responsible for Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
Another commenter, Chigozie, said the figures cited in the report raised concerns about the direction of ongoing economic reforms.
“If over 140 million Nigerians are living in poverty, we must ask who these reforms are really working for?” the user wrote.
Similarly, Kingsley Chinedu O described the situation as alarming, calling the figure of 140 million Nigerians living in poverty a national crisis.
Another user, M Onyema, questioned the level of accountability among political leaders, suggesting that responsible leadership must address corruption, insecurity and economic hardship facing citizens.
