The NBS’s 2023/24 Household Survey reveals vital trends in wealth, shocks, and resilience, guiding £8.9bn in policy projects across Nigeria.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has launched the 2023/24 General Household Survey-Panel (GHS-Panel) Wave-5 in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in understanding Nigerian households.
Findings from the survey, valued at £8.9 billion, have informed crucial policy projects in sectors such as agriculture, education, social protection, and governance.
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Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, highlighted that the longitudinal survey, tracking approximately 5,000 households since 2010, provides critical insights into household living conditions.
“This process enhances our capacity to design effective policies by tracking trends in wealth, resilience, and challenges over time,” he noted.
The survey revealed key dynamics in wealth transition: 29.4% of households experienced an upward wealth shift, while 28.9% faced a decline due to economic and environmental shocks like floods and post-harvest losses.
Notably, 41.7% of households remained in the same wealth quintile, reflecting stability amidst challenges.
Economic shocks, particularly food price increases, emerged as the most prevalent issue, with 71% of households reporting significant impacts. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Another critical insight from the survey is the stark disparity in electricity access. While 82.2% of urban households enjoy electricity, only 40.4% in rural areas have similar access, with households enduring an average of 6.7 power outages weekly. This gap highlights the pressing need for improved rural infrastructure.
For the first time, the GHS-Panel incorporated enhanced modules on migration, remittances, and climate-related shocks. It also introduced two new sections on early childhood development, providing a comprehensive view of Nigerian households’ evolving needs.
Over the last five years, survey findings have shaped initiatives worth £8.9 billion, demonstrating the survey’s transformative impact.
Projects span agriculture, education, water supply, social protection, and governance. “The application of these findings to policy and programmes cannot be overstated,” Adeniran emphasised.
