World Bank Report: Nigeria Among 39 Countries With Rising Poverty and Hunger Due to Conflict and Instability

A World Bank report reveals Nigeria is one of 39 nations where conflict and instability are driving sharp increases in poverty and hunger, affecting millions of vulnerable people.

The World Bank has issued a stark warning about the growing crisis of poverty and hunger across several nations, including Nigeria, where conflict and instability have severely disrupted economic growth and food security. In its latest report published on Friday, the global financial institution included Nigeria on a list of 39 low- and middle-income countries where extreme poverty and hunger are rising at alarming rates.
This revelation comes at a time when global economies are still grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, and regional conflicts.

According to the World Bank, Nigeria joins a concerning list of fragile and conflict-affected countries, including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Libya, Mali, Sudan, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. The report classifies these countries based on their ongoing economic challenges, political instability, and vulnerability to internal and external shocks.
Out of the 39 countries highlighted, 21 are currently experiencing active conflict, with devastating consequences for development, livelihoods, and human welfare. The impact of conflict in these countries is not only eroding economic resilience but is also amplifying poverty, hunger, and social fragmentation.

Key Findings from the World Bank Report
The World Bank's report provides deep insight into how conflict and fragility are shaping economic outcomes for millions of people. Some of the most alarming statistics include:

• More than 421 million people in conflict-affected economies are surviving on less than $3 a day, a figure that surpasses the number in non-fragile economies.
• This number is expected to rise to 435 million by 2030, meaning that nearly 60% of the world’s extreme poor will reside in these fragile contexts.
• Average per capita GDP in these 39 economies has declined by 1.8% annually since 2020, compared to a 2.9% growth rate in other developing nations.
• Conflict and instability are increasingly acting as barriers to progress on key development goals, including hunger eradication, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction.

Nigeria’s Economic Struggles: Conflict, Inflation, and Policy Challenges
For Nigeria, the inclusion in this list is a sobering reminder of the growing socioeconomic struggles that many citizens face daily. While the country boasts Africa's largest population and significant natural resources, several compounding factors have hindered its path to prosperity.

1. Insecurity Across Regions:
From the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast to banditry and farmer-herder clashes in the northwest and north-central regions, Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread violence that disrupts farming, education, and commerce. These security crises directly affect food production and drive up the cost of living, especially for vulnerable communities.

2. Economic Fragility and Inflation:

Nigeria’s economy has been under strain, with persistent inflation, high unemployment, and a weakening naira eroding household purchasing power. Food inflation, in particular, has been a key driver of poverty, making it harder for low-income families to afford basic necessities.

3. Post-Pandemic Recovery Lagging Behind:
While many nations have made strides toward recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s economic rebound has been sluggish. The World Bank’s data indicates that Nigeria's per capita GDP remains below pre-pandemic levels, signifying that the average Nigerian is poorer today than before 2020.

Impact on Food Security and Human Development
The rise in hunger across Nigeria is especially concerning. Food insecurity is not just a rural problem; it is spreading rapidly in urban areas due to soaring prices and dwindling incomes.
The World Bank report highlights how conflict and fragility directly impact:

• Agricultural productivity: Insecurity prevents farmers from planting or harvesting crops.
• Supply chain disruption: In conflict zones, transporting food becomes dangerous and expensive.
• Access to humanitarian aid: Aid organizations often struggle to reach communities in need due to safety concerns.

This situation has dire implications for children's nutrition, maternal health, school attendance, and overall human development.

While Nigeria faces its own unique challenges, the World Bank emphasized that the crisis is global in nature. Fragile and conflict-affected countries across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe are all facing similar struggles. From war-torn Ukraine to drought-stricken Ethiopia, the underlying causes vary, but the outcomes are consistent: growing poverty, hunger, and halted development.
According to the report, unless urgent action is taken, these nations will account for a majority of the world’s poorest population by 2030, threatening decades of progress made under global development frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What Needs to Be Done: Urgent Global and Local Interventions
To prevent a further slide into humanitarian catastrophe, the World Bank recommends a multifaceted response:
1. Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding:
Ending violence is critical. Diplomatic efforts and peacekeeping initiatives must be strengthened to bring stability to fragile regions.

2. Economic Resilience Programs:
Governments must invest in social protection programs that shield the poor from inflation and unemployment. Smallholder farmers and rural businesses need support to continue producing and contributing to local economies.

3. Humanitarian Aid and Development Finance:
The international community must scale up financial and technical support to countries like Nigeria. This includes ensuring humanitarian aid reaches conflict zones and supporting long-term infrastructure and education initiatives.

4. Rebuilding Institutions:
Strong, accountable institutions are necessary to manage resources, maintain law and order, and deliver public services. Investment in governance reforms will be key to long-term recovery.
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A Call to Action for Nigeria and the Global Community
The World Bank’s report is more than just a data summary; it is a wake-up call. For Nigeria, this is an urgent reminder of the need to tackle insecurity, stabilize the economy, and protect the vulnerable. Millions of lives are at stake.
As global development goals hang in the balance, the time to act is now. Governments, civil society, international organizations, and communities must work hand in hand to reverse this trend and ensure that poverty and hunger do not become permanent realities for millions of people.

By PrimeLineInfo