Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for deliberate, people-centred economic reforms to eradicate poverty in Nigeria, warning that the nation cannot achieve sustainable growth while a majority of its citizens remain impoverished.
In a statement marking the International Day for Poverty Eradication, Atiku described poverty as “the greatest enemy that humanity has ever known,” noting that its persistence in Nigeria continues to undermine social stability and economic progress.
“Wherever it takes root, whether in the life of an individual or across a society, it breeds other troubles like disease, ignorance, insecurity, and hopelessness,” he said.
Atiku stressed that the commemoration of the day serves as a timely reminder and a call to action for governments, civil society, and the private sector to work collectively toward eradicating poverty in all its forms.
“The declaration of this day as the International Day for Poverty Eradication is a timely reminder and a call to action. It urges governments, civil society, and every stakeholder to join hands in the fight against poverty,” he added.
The former Vice President lamented that Nigeria has, over the years, earned the label of being among the countries hardest hit by poverty, despite its vast natural and human resources.
“In Nigeria, we have sadly earned the label of being among the nations hardest hit by poverty. That is why my advocacy for deliberate, people-centred solutions to end poverty remains strong and consistent,” he said.
Atiku called for policies that directly empower local communities and promote inclusive economic participation, insisting that poverty reduction must move beyond slogans to practical interventions at the grassroots level.
“At both government and community levels, we must take the fight against poverty to every home, every community, and every school so that the ordinary Nigerian becomes part of the solution,” he noted.
He also quoted a Nigerian proverb to emphasize the link between economic deprivation and insecurity:
“When the poor man is hungry, peace sleeps outside. When poverty is defeated, the freedom and dignity of every man and woman will find true meaning.”
Atiku’s remarks resonate strongly with Nigeria’s current fiscal realities, as rising inflation, job losses, and a weakening naira continue to push millions below the poverty line.
The former Vice President’s renewed advocacy reinforces the need for targeted investments in education, job creation, and social safety programmes as pathways to economic resilience and social stability.
