FG NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL POVERTY — EX-MINISTER

FG NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MULTI-DIMENSIONAL POVERTY — EX-MINISTER

A former Minister of State for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clement Agba, has stated that the Federal Government should not be held responsible for the rising number of Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty.

Agba made the assertion in a video presentation shared on Wednesday by a presidential aide, Mr Bayo Onanuga, where he addressed public reactions to the 2022 National Multidimensional Poverty Index report, which revealed that about 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor.

According to Agba, the responsibility for addressing multi-dimensional poverty lies primarily with state and local governments, as the core indicators used to measure the poverty index fall within the constitutional duties of sub-national authorities.

He explained that unlike monetary poverty—which measures income levels, such as earning below $2.15 per day—multi-dimensional poverty focuses on access to essential services and living conditions, including education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation, employment, and security.

“The findings of the survey clearly show that the Federal Government has little or nothing to do with multi-dimensional poverty,” Agba said. “Basic education, primary healthcare, potable water, and sanitation are responsibilities assigned to state and local governments by the Constitution.”

He further dismissed claims that successive federal administrations were responsible for the increase in poverty figures, arguing that such assessments misunderstand the structure of governance and service delivery in Nigeria.

Agba criticised state governments for concentrating development resources in urban centres while neglecting rural communities, where poverty levels remain highest.

He noted that individuals could still be considered multi-dimensionally poor even if they possess financial wealth, provided they lack access to basic infrastructure in their localities.

“If you have substantial financial resources but live in a community without healthcare facilities, potable water, or basic services, you are still multi-dimensionally poor,” he stated.

Defending the current administration’s economic policies, Agba likened the removal of fuel subsidy to a difficult but necessary intervention aimed at restoring long-term economic stability.

He said the short-term hardship experienced by citizens should be viewed as part of a broader reform process required to secure sustainable growth.

Agba also urged the Federal Government to ensure continued funding of the Open Government Partnership initiative, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, in its 2022 report overseen by Agba, revealed that approximately 63 per cent of the population—representing 133 million people—are multi-dimensionally poor. The index is calculated using 15 indicators across four major areas: health, education, living standards, and exposure to economic and security shocks.