ActionAid Nigeria demands urgent investment to combat poverty and housing deficit

ActionAid Nigeria has called on federal and state governments to increase investment in affordable housing, social protection, and economic justice to combat widespread deprivation. Marking the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the organization highlighted the scale of the crisis, citing National Bureau of Statistics data that 133 million Nigerians—approximately 63 percent of the population—live in multidimensional poverty.

Additional data from the World Bank indicates that 123 million Nigerians experienced extreme monetary poverty in 2025. The organization also noted a severe housing crisis, with an estimated 87 million people living in poor conditions and a national housing deficit of approximately 17 million units.

Food insecurity remains a critical concern. A September 2026 assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that 36.3 million Nigerians faced crisis-level or worse acute food insecurity during the recent lean season. Furthermore, UNICEF reported that 11 million children under five experienced severe food poverty in 2024, with millions requiring life-saving treatment for severe wasting. ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, urged for public budgets that prioritize citizen welfare and social safety nets that ensure actual access to assistance.