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The European Union has expressed concern over the worsening poverty situation in Nigeria, with its ambassador to the country and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, calling for stronger government action and international cooperation to address the growing needs of vulnerable citizens.
Mignot made the appeal in Abuja during activities marking the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, where he stressed that millions of Nigerians continue to face severe economic and social difficulties. He warned that Nigeria could have the largest population of people living below the poverty line globally.
The EU envoy cited estimates indicating that about 133 million Nigerians experienced multidimensional poverty in 2022, adding that the situation may have worsened in subsequent years. He explained that poverty extends beyond inadequate income to include limited access to healthcare, education, nutritious food, decent housing and other essential services.
As part of efforts to respond to the crisis, Mignot disclosed that the European Union had allocated nearly €45 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria in 2026. He said the support was particularly directed at communities affected by conflict, displacement and other emergencies that have disrupted livelihoods and increased the vulnerability of households.
The ambassador emphasised that humanitarian relief must be linked to sustainable development programmes to help affected communities recover and become economically self-reliant. He called for closer collaboration among the Federal Government, state authorities, development agencies and local organisations to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
He also acknowledged government initiatives aimed at reducing poverty, including cash transfers, livelihood support and social protection programmes. Among the interventions highlighted were the National Social Safety Net Programme, Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, and the Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme.
Mignot further disclosed that the EU was supporting efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection system through partnerships with government institutions and organisations such as UNICEF, GIZ, the International Labour Organisation, ActionAid and Oxfam. The programme covers Abia, Benue, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Borno states, with a focus on improving social protection policies and identifying vulnerable households.
Speaking on the connection between poverty and human rights, the envoy maintained that lasting progress would require peace, security and respect for human dignity. He urged stakeholders to sustain poverty reduction efforts beyond commemorative events, insisting that practical policies, adequate funding and effective implementation were necessary to improve living conditions across the country.
