Commentary is the recent world poverty clock assessment of nigeria justified

The World Poverty Clock (WPC) is a real-time poverty assessment tool developed by the Vienna Institute of Demography and the World Data Lab. According to the WPC, Nigeria has been the country with the highest number of people living in extreme poverty since 2016.

The recent WPC assessment (as of 2022) estimates that Nigeria has approximately 95 million people living in extreme poverty, which is about 40% of the country's population. This number is significantly higher than the previous estimates, which were around 80 million people.

The justification for this assessment can be attributed to several factors:

1. Population growth: Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, with an estimated 2.6% annual growth rate. This rapid population growth puts pressure on the country's resources, including food, water, and employment opportunities.
2. Economic challenges: Nigeria's economy has faced significant challenges, including corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of diversification. The country's dependence on oil exports has made it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
3. Inequality: Nigeria has a high level of income inequality, with a small elite holding a significant portion of the country's wealth. This inequality can lead to a lack of access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, for the majority of the population.
4. Food insecurity: Nigeria is a food-insecure country, with many people relying on subsistence farming or informal employment. This can lead to a lack of access to nutritious food, exacerbating poverty and malnutrition.
5. Conflict and insecurity: Nigeria has faced various conflicts, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, which have displaced millions of people and disrupted economic activities.
6. Limited social protection: Nigeria's social protection systems are limited, making it difficult for vulnerable populations to access basic services, such as healthcare, education, and social assistance.
7. Climate change: Nigeria is vulnerable to climate change, which can lead to crop failures, livestock deaths, and displacement of people, further exacerbating poverty.

While the WPC assessment may be subject to some limitations and uncertainties, it is based on a robust methodology that incorporates various data sources, including household surveys, census data, and economic indicators. The assessment provides a valuable tool for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers to understand the scale and complexity of poverty in Nigeria.

In conclusion, the recent WPC assessment of Nigeria's poverty situation is justified based on the country's demographic, economic, and social challenges. Addressing these challenges will require a comprehensive approach that involves government, civil society, and the private sector working together to promote economic growth, reduce inequality, and improve access to basic services.