List of Top 10 Poorest States In Nigeria

The poverty rate in Nigeria increased from 35% to 38% of the total population from 2011 to 2016. According to world bank, the total number of people living in poverty in Nigeria is over 74 million. This is almost half of the population of the country. In this post, we shall look at the list of top 10 poorest states in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Currently there are 36 states and Federal Capital (Abuja) in Nigeria. Each state is blessed with either mineral resources or fertile land for agriculture. Every state is expected to be productive based on their available resources and government capable of managing the resources. But unfortunately, the reverse is the case, as some states are down to poverty by up to 80%. Also see best state for NYSC in Nigeria.

List of top 10 poorest states in Nigeria

These states have the highest percentages of poverty in Nigeria:

1. Sokoto state

Sokoto is rated as the most poorest state in Nigeria ranking 81.2% on poverty level. The very harsh weather conditions in Sokoto deters foreign investors to invest in the state. It is also the seat of the Caliphate.

2. Kastina state

This State is located at the deepest part of the north west in Nigeria. Kastina has little or no solid investment or sector that generates revenues for the state.

3. Adamawa state

Boko Haram has rendered Adamawa state useless. Because of the activities of terrorists, the state’s economy crippled. The citizens are running away for safety. It has affected the state poorly and no foreign investor is coming. The poverty level stands at 74.2%.

4. Gombe state

This state is located at the north eastern region of Nigeria. It is also infested by Boko Haram terrorists which crippled the economy of the state. The poverty level is 73.2%.

5. Jigawa state

Jigawa state is located at the north-western part of Nigeria. The majority of people living in this state are Fulani tribe. The state has a very low literacy level and poor economic growth. The poverty level of Jigawa state is 72.1%.

6. Plateau state

No doubt that plateau state is one of the highest populated state in Nigeria. Despite this, it suffers from a tribal conflict which deters economic growth in the State. The poverty level is 71%.

7. Ebonyi state

Ebonyi state happened to be the only South-Eastern state that falls under the list of top 10 poorest states in Nigeria. The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi is working hard to make Ebonyi amongst the best state in Nigeria.   Eboyi State poverty rate is 70.6%, although, this is largely due to low literacy level in the state.

8. Bauchi state

This state is among the poorest states in Nigeria with 70% poverty level. The majority of people in this state are still lacking some basic amenities. Boko Haram terrorists also carry their killing activities in this state.

9. Kebbi state

This state is located in north-western part of Nigeria. Kebbi state is among the poorest states in Nigeria with highest poverty rate. The poverty level is 72%.

10. Zamfara state

According to the NBS, the povery rate of this state is 70.8% making it one of the most poorest state in Nigeria. The people in this state battle disease, strife and hunger.

List of top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria by GDP

Below are list of top 10 poorest states in Nigeria by GDP:

1. Yobe ($2,011)

2. Gombe ($2,501)

3. Ebonyi ($2,501)

4. Ekiti ($2,848)

5. Jigawa ($2,988)

6. Nasarawa ($3,022)

7. Kebbi ($3,290)

8. Taraba ($3,397)

9. Kwara ($3,841)

10. Zamfara ($4,123)

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