If your state is among the states in Nigeria listed below, just know that your state might be going bankrupt in next few years to come. It is important you start making plan to relocated or japa. Yes! It is as serious as that.

With an estimated population of over 206 million, Nigeria is a nation in West Africa. The country is one of the world’s top oil producers, but it still suffers from high level of poverty. Records’ has it that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of poverty in the world, making it a serious issue of concern. Nigeria’s poverty level is not equally distributed; some states are being more destitute than the others.

We have study and examine the poverty levels of all the states in Nigeria and have come with the ten poorest states in Nigeria. So if you would want to know, the 10 poorest states in Nigeria along with the criteria used in judging them; below is the answer to your queries.

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10 Poorest States in Nigeria

Sokoto State

Sokoto State is located in the north-western part of Nigeria and is considered the number #1 poorest state in Nigeria. Poverty rate of about is 87.75% according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The state is mainly populated by farmers, and agriculture is the primary source of livelihood. However, the state’s agricultural sector is mostly subsistence, and there is a lack of government support and investment in the sector. This lack of investment has led to low productivity and low income for farmers, resulting in poverty.

Criteria Used in Classifying Sokoto as number #1 poorest state

Poverty in Sokoto State has been attributed to several factors, including:

Limited economic opportunities: Sokoto State is largely rural and agrarian, with limited industrial and commercial activities. This has resulted in a lack of employment opportunities for the majority of the population. The limited economic activities in the state have led to low income levels and high levels of poverty.
Poor infrastructure: The lack of basic infrastructure, such as good roads, electricity, and water supply, is another major cause of poverty in Sokoto State. Poor infrastructure has made it difficult for businesses to thrive, and it has also affected the quality of life of the residents.
Inadequate access to education: Education is essential for economic and social development. However, Sokoto State has a high rate of illiteracy, and many children are not enrolled in school due to poverty, cultural practices, and lack of access to educational facilities.
Inadequate healthcare facilities: Sokoto State has a subpar healthcare system with insufficient personnel, medical supplies, and facilities. Residents now have poor health results, which makes their poverty much worse.
Insecurity: In recent years, Sokoto State has been plagued by banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity. This has resulted in the displacement of people from their homes and communities, loss of lives and properties, and a decline in economic activities.

Jigawa State

Jigawa State is located in the north-western part of Nigeria and is the second-poorest state in the country. The state’s economy is primarily agricultural, with subsistence farming being the most common type of farming. The state’s poverty is caused by poor infrastructure, low levels of education, and inadequate healthcare facilities.

Criteria Used In Classifying Jigawa as the 2^nd Poorest State

According to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Jigawa State has a poverty rate of 87.73%, which means that over half of the population lives in poverty. The causes of poverty in Jigawa State are multi-faceted and complex, and can be attributed to a variety of economic, social, and political factors that include:

Limited Economic Opportunities: One of the main causes of poverty in Jigawa State is the limited economic opportunities available to the majority of the population. The state’s economy is largely based on agriculture, which is mostly subsistence farming. The lack of modern farming techniques, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to credit facilities has made it difficult for farmers to increase their productivity and income.
Lack of Basic Infrastructure: The lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity has contributed significantly to poverty in Jigawa State. The absence of these essential amenities has made it difficult for people to access education, healthcare, and other services necessary for improving their standard of living.
Inadequate Education: Education is a critical factor in breaking the cycle of poverty. However, in Jigawa State, the literacy rate is one of the lowest in the country. Many children, particularly girls, are not enrolled in school, and those who do attend school receive a poor quality of education. This has limited their opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge required for high paying jobs.
Political Instability: Political instability in Jigawa State has also contributed to poverty. The state has witnessed several instances of inter-ethnic and religious conflicts, which have led to displacement and loss of property. This has negatively impacted economic growth and development, leading to increased poverty rates.
Inadequate Health Care: Access to health care is critical for poverty reduction, but in Jigawa State, health care services are inadequate. The state has a shortage of healthcare workers and facilities, which has led to high maternal and child mortality rates. Ill health has also impacted productivity and income-earning opportunities for many households.

Taraba State

Taraba State is located in the north-eastern part of Nigeria and is the third-poorest state in the country. The state is predominantly agrarian, with farming and livestock production as the primary economic activities. With an 87.72% poverty rate, the state’s poverty is caused by a lack of infrastructure, low levels of education, and poor healthcare facilities along with other criteria below.

Criteria Used In Classifying Taraba as the 3^rd Poorest State

This is one of the Nigerian states with the highest poverty rates in the country. The poverty rate in the state increased from 69.7% in 2010 to 87.72% in 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The causes of poverty in Taraba State can be attributed to several factors, including:

Insurgency and banditry: Insurgency and banditry have had an impact on the state, leading to the eviction of residents from their homes, the destruction of lives and property, and a slowdown in economic activity. This has significantly impacted the state’s economy and made the state more impoverished.
Inadequate infrastructure: Taraba State has poor road networks, limited access to electricity, and poor water supply, which has made it difficult for businesses to thrive and has also affected the quality of life of the residents. The poor infrastructure has led to a decline in economic activities and has contributed to poverty in the state.
Limited access to education: Taraba State has a high rate of illiteracy, and many children are not enrolled in school due to poverty, cultural practices, and lack of access to educational facilities. The lack of education has contributed to a lack of skilled workers, which has limited economic growth and development.
Limited economic opportunities: The state’s economy is predominantly agricultural, with limited industrial and commercial activities. The limited economic activities in the state have led to low income levels and high levels of poverty.
Inadequate healthcare facilities: Taraba State has a poor healthcare system with inadequate facilities, personnel, and medical equipment. This has resulted in poor health outcomes for the residents, which further exacerbates poverty.
Climate change and environmental degradation: Climate change and environmental degradation: These two factors have significantly impacted the state’s economy, especially the agriculture industry. Climate change has had a negative impact on the state’s primary agricultural products, including yams, maize, and beans, which has decreased agricultural production and income levels.

Ebonyi State

The fourth-poorest state in Nigeria is Ebonyi State with an 86.71% poverty rate. The state is situated in the country’s southeast. The state is largely agricultural, with rice, yams, and cassava being the three most widely grown crops. The state’s poverty is a result of a lack of infrastructure, subpar healthcare options, and low educational standards.

Criteria Used In Classifying Ebonyi as the 4^th Poorest State:

With an 86.71% poverty rate, the state, like many other states in Nigeria, has a poverty problem. There are multiple, intricate reasons for poverty in Ebonyi State that are caused by both internal and external sources. The following are some of the main reasons for poverty in Ebonyi State:

Poor infrastructure: Ebonyi State has poor infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals. This lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for people to access basic services and employment opportunities, which contributes to poverty.
Limited economic opportunities: The state’s economy is predominantly based on agriculture, and there are limited economic opportunities outside of the sector. This makes it difficult for people to find jobs or start businesses, which contributes to poverty.
Poor educational attainment: With a literacy rate of only 56.4%, the state has a poor level of educational achievement. This makes it challenging for people to find better-paying employment or launch businesses, which exacerbates poverty.
Corruption: In Nigeria, including Ebonyi State, corruption is a serious issue. Corruption makes it difficult for businesses to function and diverts funding away from initiatives and services that could reduce poverty.
Inadequate social safety nets: The state has limited social safety nets, including programs to provide assistance to the poor and vulnerable. This means that those who are most in need do not have access to the support they need to lift themselves out of poverty.
Poor health outcomes: The state has poor health outcomes, including high rates of maternal mortality and low life expectancy. This makes it difficult for people to stay healthy and work, which contributes to poverty.
Environmental degradation: The state has experienced significant environmental degradation, including deforestation and soil erosion. This has led to reduced agricultural productivity, which contributes to poverty.

Yobe State

Yobe State is located in the north-eastern part of Nigeria and is the fifth-poorest state in the country. The state is predominantly agrarian, with livestock production and farming as the primary economic activities. The state’s poverty is caused by low levels of education, inadequate healthcare facilities, and poor infrastructure.

Criteria Used In Classifying Yobe as the 5^th Poorest State

Yobe State has experienced high level of poverty. Several factors contribute to poverty in Yobe State, including:

Limited Economic Opportunities: Yobe State has limited economic opportunities due to its mostly agrarian economy. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for most of the population, and it is heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall, making it vulnerable to weather conditions. The state lacks significant infrastructure and investment, which would have provided opportunities for job creation, industrialization, and improved economic growth.
Insecurity: The state has been plagued by insecurity for many years, particularly from the Boko Haram insurgency. The violence and insecurity have resulted in a decline in economic activities and a loss of income for many families. The conflict has also disrupted farming activities, leading to food shortages and rising food prices.
Poor Education: Education is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty, but the state’s education system is weak. Many children in Yobe State do not attend school, and those who do often receive a poor quality of education due to inadequate facilities, poorly trained teachers, and limited resources. The lack of education opportunities has limited people’s skills and abilities to access better-paying jobs.
Poor Healthcare System: Yobe State has a weak healthcare system, with inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. The lack of quality healthcare services means that many people suffer from preventable diseases and illnesses, leading to increased healthcare costs, lost income, and reduced productivity.
Corruption: Corruption is prevalent in Nigeria, including Yobe State, where it has contributed to the mismanagement of public funds and resources. Corruption has resulted in limited investment in infrastructure and development, leading to poor economic growth, a lack of job opportunities, and limited access to essential services.

Zamfara State

Zamfara State is located in the north-western part of Nigeria and is the sixth-poorest state in the country. The state’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and mining. However, the state’s mining sector is mostly informal, leading to low productivity and low income for miners. The state’s poverty is caused by a lack of infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, and low levels of education.

Criteria Used In Classifying Zamfara as the 6^th Poorest State

Zamfara State is one of the poorest states in the country with a high incidence of poverty. The causes of poverty in Zamfara State are multifaceted, and various factors contribute to the high level of poverty in the state.

Limited Economic Opportunities: One of the major causes of poverty in Zamfara State is the limited economic opportunities available to the people. The state is predominantly agrarian with limited infrastructure, and there are few industries to provide jobs and income for the people. Most people in Zamfara State engage in subsistence agriculture, and they face challenges such as poor soil quality, inadequate water supply, and limited access to markets, which limits their income-generating opportunities.
Poor Governance: The poor governance in Zamfara State has contributed to the high level of poverty in the state. The state government has not been able to provide basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, which limits economic activities and the potential for growth. Corruption is also prevalent in the state, which diverts resources meant for development to the pockets of a few individuals.
Insecurity: The state has been plagued by insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping, which has affected economic activities and contributed to poverty. Farmers and other economic actors have been forced to abandon their farms and businesses due to the insecurity, leading to a decline in economic output and inco
Lack of Education: A significant proportion of the population in Zamfara State is illiterate and lacks formal education, which limits their ability to access better-paying jobs and participate in economic activities that require basic literacy and numeracy skills. The lack of education also limits their knowledge and awareness of available opportunities, which further contributes to poverty.
Cultural Practices: Certain cultural practices such as early marriage, gender inequality, and female genital mutilation have limited the participation of women and girls in economic activities, leading to poverty. The early marriage of girls limits their educational and economic opportunities, while female genital mutilation also affects their health, limiting their ability to participate in economic activities.

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Katsina State

Katsina State is located in the north-western part of Nigeria and is the seventh-poorest state in the country. The state is primarily agrarian, with farming as the primary economic activity. The state’s poverty is caused by inadequate healthcare facilities, poor infrastructure, and low levels of education.

Criteria Used In Classifying Katsina as 7^th Poorest State

Katsina State is one of the states with a high incidence of poverty. The causes of poverty in Katsina State are multifaceted and are influenced by a variety of factors, including the following:

Limited Economic Opportunities: Katsina State has limited economic opportunities, and the majority of the population is engaged in subsistence agriculture. The state lacks basc infrastructure such as good roads, reliable electricity, and water supply, which limits the growth of industries and businesses. The limited economic opportunities available to the people contribute significantly to poverty in the state.
Poor Governance: Poor governance is another significant cause of poverty in Katsina State. Corruption is prevalent in the state, and public resources meant for development are often misappropriated, leading to a lack of basic amenities and infrastructure. Poor governance also leads to the neglect of the education and health sectors, which affects human capital development and contributes to poverty.
Insecurity: Katsina State has been affected by insecurity, particularly banditry and kidnapping. The insecurity has led to the displacement of people, destruction of farms and businesses, and a decline in economic activities, which has contributed to poverty.
Low Education: Education is a key factor in poverty reduction. In Katsina State, the literacy rate is low, and access to education is limited, particularly for girls. The low education levels limit opportunities for better-paying jobs and reduce the chances of economic growth.
Climate Change: Katsina State is a semi-arid region, and climate change has affected agriculture, which is the mainstay of the state’s economy. Erratic rainfall patterns, floods, and droughts have led to low crop yields, food shortages, and hunger, which contribute to poverty.
Cultural Practices: Certain cultural practices such as early marriage, gender inequality, and female genital mutilation have limited the participation of women and girls in economic activities, leading to poverty. Early marriage limits educational and economic opportunities, while gender inequality limits women’s access to resources and income-generating activities.

Gombe State

Gombe State is located in the north-eastern part of Nigeria and is the eighth-poorest state in the country. The poverty rate in Gombe state is estimated to be about 73% according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with a majority of the population living in rural areas. The state’s economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing. The state’s poverty is caused by inadequate healthcare facilities, poor infrastructure, and low levels of education.

Criteria Used In Classifying Gobe as the 8^th Poorest State

There are several factors that contribute to poverty in Gombe state, which are discussed below.

Lack of Education: One of the major causes of poverty in Gombe state is the lack of education. The state has one of the lowest literacy rates in Nigeria, with a majority of the population lacking basic education. This makes it difficult for people to access job opportunities and leads to a cycle of poverty.
High Unemployment Rate: Gombe state has a high unemployment rate, especially among young people. This is due to the lack of industries and job opportunities in the state. The few available jobs are often in the public sector, which is highly competitive and requires connections to secure employment.
Poor Infrastructure: The poor state of infrastructure in Gombe state is also a contributing factor to poverty. The state lacks basic amenities such as good roads, healthcare facilities, and electricity. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate, leading to a lack of job opportunities and economic growth.
Insurgency: The Boko Haram insurgency has also had a significant impact on the poverty rate in Gombe state. The conflict has led to the displacement of people from their homes and has destroyed infrastructure, making it difficult for people to access basic necessities.
Climate Change: The effects of climate change are also felt in Gombe state, with increased desertification and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for most people in the state. This has led to a decline in agricultural productivity and income.

Kebbi State

Kebbi State is located in the north-western part of Nigeria and is the ninth-poorest state in the country. The state is primarily agrarian, with farming as the primary economic activity. The state’s poverty is caused by a lack of infrastructure, inadequate healthcare facilities, and low levels of education.

Criteria Used In Classifying Kebbi as the 9^th Poorest State

There are several factors that contribute to poverty in Kebbi state, which are discussed below.

Agricultural Dependence: The majority of the population in Kebbi state relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, the agriculture sector in the state is largely subsistence-based, with low productivity and little access to modern farming techniques and equipment. This results in low incomes for farmers and contributes to poverty in the state.
Poor Infrastructure: Kebbi state has poor infrastructure, including roads, healthcare facilities, and electricity. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate and results in a lack of job opportunities, which contributes to poverty in the state.
Lack of Education: Kebbi state has a low literacy rate, with a majority of the population lacking basic education. This makes it difficult for people to access job opportunities and leads to a cycle of poverty.
Gender Inequality: Gender inequality is a major issue in Kebbi state, with women having limited access to education and job opportunities. This limits their ability to contribute to the economy and results in poverty for themselves and their families.
Insurgency: The insurgency in neighboring states, such as Zamfara and Sokoto, has spilled over into Kebbi state, leading to displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure. This has further exacerbated poverty in the state.

Bauchi State

The tenth poorest state in Nigeria is Bauchi State. The state is situated in northeastern Nigeria. Agriculture, tourism, and mining are the state’s main economic drivers. However, due to weak infrastructure and investment, the state’s potential in these industries has not been harnessed completely. Lack of infrastructure, poor levels of education, and subpar healthcare facilities are to be blame for the state’s poverty.

Criteria Used In Classifying Bauchi as the 10^th Poorest State

One of the states in the country with a high poverty rate is the northeastern state. Here are a number of factors that makes Bauchi state, the tenth poorest state in Nigeria:

Lack of Education: One of the major causes of poverty in Bauchi state is the lack of education. The state has one of the lowest literacy rates in Nigeria, with a majority of the population lacking basic education. This makes it difficult for people to access job opportunities and leads to a cycle of poverty.
High Unemployment Rate: Bauchi state has a high unemployment rate, especially among young people. This is due to the lack of industries and job opportunities in the state. The few available jobs are often in the public sector, which is highly competitive and requires connections to secure employment.
Poor Infrastructure: The poor state of infrastructure in Bauchi state is also a contributing factor to poverty. The state lacks basic amenities such as good roads, healthcare facilities, and electricity. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate, leading to a lack of job opportunities and economic growth.
Insurgency: Boko Haram’s insurgency has significantly impacted Bauchi state’s poverty rate, as well. People now find it difficult to get needs since the fighting has caused infrastructure to be destroyed and forced people to flee their homes.
Ethnic and Religious Conflicts: Ethnic and religious conflicts have also contributed to poverty in Bauchi state. These conflicts have led to the displacement of people from their homes, destruction of property, and loss of lives, resulting in economic losses and poverty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poverty in Nigeria is a serious issue that has a distinct impact across the nation. The northern region of Nigeria is home to the ten poorest states, which are primarily agricultural. Lack of infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, low levels of education, under investment in agriculture, and shady mining operations are some of the factors contributing to poverty in these states. In order to improve the lives of the people and lessen poverty in these states, addressing these concerns will necessitate a concerted effort from the government and stakeholders to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture.

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10 Poorest States in Nigeria (2023)