Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria

 The poorest states in Nigeria: Without a doubt, “Sokoto state is the poorest state in Nigeria as of 2022 with a poverty rate of 87.73 percent. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics were used to compile the information on this page about the poorest states in Nigeria. In addition to having 36 states, Nigeria is a nation abundant in mineral resources. The availability of natural deposits in these states also suggests that they are productive and profitable.

However, it is also advised to have a powerful and sincere government capable of managing these natural resources effectively to make money. With the rate at which people are putting food on the table in the country, poverty is growing more pervasive.

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE TOP 10 POOREST STATES IN NIGERIA

which is the Poorest State in Nigeria

The sad thing about this list, however, is that most of the people on it are from one area, Northern Nigeria. It makes you wonder how these states’ governments have been using their funds. Even though it’s true that these states’ extreme weather and lack of commercially viable mineral resources like oil contribute to their poverty, other states that have faced similar difficulties have managed to prosper.

Some Nigerian states are poor economically due to insurgency, illiteracy, and unemployment. In comparison to the poverty rates of other states that are the richest, theirs is a very high poverty index rate in these regions listed below. Here is a list of the poorest states in Nigeria.

READ MORE: Top 10 Richest States in Nigeria (2022)

Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria

The table below shows the ranking order of the poorest state in Nigeria, their capital, poverty rate, and their estimated GDP

1. Sokoto State-87.73%

Poorest States in Nigeria

Sokoto state, regrettably, holds the ranking title on the list of the poorest states in Nigeria. It has been donning a crown for some time. Contrary to popular belief, Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen, or bandits are not Sokoto’s main problems.

Sokoto is a well-known Islamic state and one of the most tranquil states in northern Nigeria. But the state’s major problem—and one that has significantly contributed to the poverty rate—is the climate.

In terms of environmental conditions, Sokoto is one of the worst-off states. Every year, the state’s temperature averages out to be about 45 degrees Celsius.

Due to this unfriendly environment, foreign investments from other neighboring countries are either hardly present or nonexistent.

Since Sokoto state is thought to be the top producer of onions, tomatoes, and other perishable goods, the lack of good roads that can facilitate the easy movement of goods from the state to other states in the nation is another factor contributing to Sokoto’s ranking as the poorest state in Nigeria.

However, the farmers and local traders there still desire an excellent road to facilitate the movement of their products.

“Sokoto state is the poorest state in Nigeria as of 2022 with a poverty rate of 87.73 percent”.

2. Taraba State-87.72%

Poorest States in Nigeria

Taraba state is the second among the poorest states in Nigeria, with an 87.72 percent poverty rate that is comparable to Sokoto’s.

The state also shared a border with the Cameron Republic. With a focus on commercial farming, agriculture is the most prevalent occupation in Taraba.

The bad condition of Jalingo’s roads has been the major factor in its predicament as the second poorest region in the country and it is noticeable when it rains. Residents have long groaned that the lack of good roads from the government has hindered the growth of the state’s economy.

3. poorest states in Nigeria-Jigawa state-87.02%

Which is the third poorest state in Nigeria? Jigawa state is the third poorest state.

Due to its proximity to the Republic of Niger, Jigawa has the possibility of receiving foreigners for commercial purposes.

Additionally, the state is bordered by Yobe, Kastina, Bauchi, and Kano (a highly developed and wealthy state) in the north. Dutse is the state’s capital and one of the oldest cities in Jigawa.

Even though the state has what it takes to rank among the top players in agriculture in the Northern region, tribal disputes and clashes between herdsmen and farmers have severely constrained its potential.

4. Katsina State-80%

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Katsina is one of the poorest states in Nigeria. The state is the least wealthy in the nation’s North Central region.

Several media outlets have reported that it is one of the least developed states in the nation. Without the capital city of Katsina, the state would be severely lacking in social amenities and this with many other factors had contributed to the state attracting foreign or local investment. Katsina state as of this writing has an 80 percent of the poverty rate.

5. Ebonyi State-80%

The only state from the Southeastern region of the nation to appear on this list of the poorest states in Nigeria is Ebonyi. The state has endured egregious mismanagement at the hands of its authorities over the years.

The National Bureau of Statistics reports that Ebonyi state is the only state in the southeast with a poverty rate of 80%, which is equal to that of Katsina in the northern region of Nigeria.

A number of issues are being faced in Ebonyi right now, including hunger, poor governance, low foreign investment, unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities. Being the fifth poorest state in the nation is therefore not surprising.

6. Gombe State-74.6%

Poorest States in Nigeria

One of the states in Nigeria, which is situated in the northeastern region of the country is Gombe. Tribal conflicts, poor management, economic instability, and the Boko Haram Insurgency have all harmed Gombe.

Gombe State has been governed by individuals who have taken advantage of the glaring lack of literacy in the state to misappropriate public funds and deny its residents access to the basic comforts found in other states across the nation.

The state’s drivers have voiced their displeasure with the condition of several Gombe roads. The flood has removed a significant portion of the roads. This costs the state money and irritates drivers. With a 74.6 percent poverty level, the state is experiencing a very low standard of living and it is the sixth among the poorest states in Nigeria.

7. Adamawa State-74%

poorest states in Nigeria

Adamawa is a region of the state that has not yet fully recovered from the destruction brought on by Boko Haram’s activities, the terrorist organization that has taken many Nigerian states hostage since 2009.

On a list of Nigerian states with high unemployment rates, subpar social amenities, and high levels of illiteracy, Adamawa comes in very high. Everywhere in the state, excluding Yola, the capital, life is very challenging.

The state of Adamawa has a poverty rate of about 74 percent, per NBS ratings. We sincerely hope that the state’s current administration can quickly take action.

8. Zamfara State-73.98%

Poorest States in Nigeria

One of the states in Nigeria most impacted by poverty is Zamfara State. Despite having a landmass that is more than 12 times larger than Lagos’, Zamfara falls far short in terms of its ability to generate its own income, natural resources, employment opportunities, tertiary institutions, industries, and effective government.

The state has suffered as a result of the nation’s ongoing attacks and kidnappings. Many of the residents are currently struggling to make ends meet and have sought shelter in neighboring towns. The poverty rate has increased to 73.98 percent as a result of the suspension of many economic activities.

Zamfara’s economy is largely dependent on its agricultural potential, which wouldn’t have been a bad thing if the government had given it more attention and development by encouraging and providing farmers with all the support they required for the sector to flourish in the state.

9. Bauchi State-73%

The National Bureau of Statistics has given the state of Bauchi a 73 percent poverty rating. The country belongs to the group of North-Eastern states that seemed to have a bright future before the Boko Haram Insurgency brought them to their knees.

In terms of total surface area, Bauchi State, which was established in 1976, is among the top 5 largest in Nigeria.

According to reports, Adamawa’s road systems are in terrible condition and require repair. The state government intervened in 2019 to assist after floods washed away a number of roads, stopping construction on some of the affected routes.

In addition to Boko Haram, which is a significant threat in this state, Fulani Herdsmen activity, unemployment, illiteracy, and poor government policies have all contributed to this region’s ranking as one of the poorest states in Nigeria.

10. Kebbi State-72%

Poorest States in Nigeria

Kebbi State is situated in Nigeria’s northwest, just like Zamfara. In reality, they have shared boundaries.

One of the states established in 1991 is Kebbi. Since its founding, the state has struggled with unemployment, illiteracy, poor economic management, and poor governance, earning them a spot on this list of the poorest state in Nigeria.

Kebbi State ranks fairly high on this list with a poverty rating of about 72 percent, according to National Bureau of Statistics data.

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Summary

Top 10 Poorest States in Nigeria

The table below shows the ranking order of the poorest state in Nigeria, their capital, poverty rate, and their estimated GDP