UNICEF Raises Alarm Over Rising Child Poverty in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed serious concern over the growing number of Nigerian children living in poverty. According to the 2020 Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis report, over 47 million Nigerian children, which represents about 47.4% of the child population, are currently living below the poverty line.

Speaking during a policy dialogue on social budgeting for child-sensitive sectors in Gombe State, Mohammed Kamfut, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, revealed that these children come from households earning less than the national poverty threshold of N137,430 annually. Kamfut highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by millions of Nigerian families, which are disproportionately affecting the country’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.

UNICEF called for urgent action to tackle this growing child poverty crisis, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East region. Kamfut reiterated UNICEF's commitment to advocating for children’s rights by ensuring they have the resources they need to survive and develop.

Citing the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Kamfut noted that while progress has been made in reducing poverty since the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were introduced, many children worldwide are still stuck in poverty.

Represented by Dr. Yusuf Auta, Social Policy Specialist at UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Kamfut acknowledged the strides made in improving children's living conditions since the adoption of the MDGs. However, he lamented that millions of the world’s poorest children are still being left behind, with poverty continuing to violate their rights and trapping them in a cycle of hardship.

Kamfut emphasized the importance of the ongoing dialogue in advocating for increased government support for child welfare programs. UNICEF pledged to push for better budgeting and funding for child-centered initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and ensuring the fulfillment of children's rights.

Kamfut expressed hope that with collective effort, many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved, including ending preventable child deaths, ensuring access to quality education for all children, and protecting them from violence.