- *83m Nigerians live on less than N3,100 a day
- *Says inequality holding country back from dev
An international non-governmental organisation, Oxfam in Nigeria has advocated for the empowerment of youths in the country and equitable distribution of opportunities and resources.
The organisation expressed concern over the absence of individuals under the age of 35 in the current federal cabinet, saying it reflected the broader systemic inequality that hinders national development.
Country Director of Oxfam in Nigeria, John Makina stated this at a youth policy dialogue themed “Next 90%: Youth, Policy and A Fairer Nigeria” in Abuja.
He called for urgent action to harness the untapped potential of young Nigerians, warning that Nigeria’s progress was under threat as a result of persistent inequality and exclusion.
He said that ten per cent of the population controlled 90 per cent of Nigeria’s resources leaving 83 million Nigerians to live on less than N3,100 ($2) a day.
The Oxfam in Nigeria boss said that the inequality crisis was holding Nigeria back in terms of national development.
Makina said: “The reality is that the top 10% controls an overwhelming 90% of our country’s resources, and over 83 million Nigerians are left to live on less than N3,100 ($2) a day.
“This is not only about money. It is about life in general. It means not having enough money for good schools, healthcare and other basic amenities. It means that more than two-thirds of teenage girls in northern Nigeria cannot read or write. It means that women who work hard in our farmlands own only 13% of the land. This is the reality that holds our country back.
“This is also why we see a striking 0% representation of young people under 35 in the current Federal Cabinet of Nigeria. This isn’t just about fairness. Including young people in government is a strategic choice for our nation’s future, our economy, and our peace. By giving young people a seat at the table, we can tap into their immense potential and build a stronger and more innovative country for everyone.
“Inequality in Nigeria is not a natural phenomenon, but a consequence of deliberate actions and inactions by policymakers and vested interests. The severity of this issue is compounded by deep-rooted cultural norms, power dynamics, and social incentives that perpetuate poverty and inequality.”
Makina called for bold reforms to reverse the trend, including progressive taxation, stronger public services, and regulation of corporate monopolies.
He added: “To address the challenges faced by Nigerian youths, we need progressive labour policies that promote decent work and fair pay, including increasing the minimum wage at the national level to match the rising cost of living.
“This is crucial as 65% of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal economy, and formalising these businesses can provide them with better access to credit, training, and social protection.
“Additionally, reducing vulnerable employment, which affects 55% of Nigerian youths, is vital. This can be achieved by encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to thrive through simplified registration processes, tax incentives, training, and credit support. We must break up monopolies that stifle competition, job creation, and innovation to promote economic growth and reduce poverty, ultimately creating well-paying jobs for Nigerian youths.”
Makina urged policymakers and stakeholders to adopt more creative and inclusive approaches to governance and resource management, especially in relation to women and young people.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Executive – Nigeria, Malala Fund, Nabila Aguele warned of the worsening inequality crisis and its disproportionate impact on young people and women.
Aguele, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said: “Our country continues to face deeply rooted inequality among the most pronounced globally, a challenge we must confront with urgency and resolve. As we’ve heard already, Oxfam’s recent report on income and wealth inequality tells us that the top 10% of Nigerians control over 31% of our national income, with the bottom 50% left with just 22%.
“Over 95 million of our fellow citizens survive on less than $2 a day. 133 million people, 63% of our population are multidimensionally poor, lacking access to essential services like clean water, electricity, education, and healthcare. And young people are not spared.
“In fact, they are disproportionately affected. Youth unemployment, as we’ve heard, is over 42%, and over 11 million girls, 60% of them from the northern region, remain out of school. These figures are more than statistics.
“They are signals of a growing strain, of a ticking time clock. We cannot thrive as a society with large segments of our population left behind, and we cannot paint a picture of a future Nigeria for all of us without youth sitting at the table, not just as stakeholders, but as co-creators, leading and driving change. Gender inequality is also a central driver of this broader inequality.”
Aguele called for a shift in focus from symbolic gestures to measurable outcomes in public policy and development programmes.
She added: “No more should we focus on how many programmes have been launched. Instead, we should focus on how many lives have been measurably improved. Instead of focusing on how many schools or roads have been built, we need to focus on how many children have completed their education with dignity and safety as a consequence of those actions.
“Secondly, we need to push for policymakers to ensure that these solutions center the voices and concerns of our communities, particularly youth and women.
“Equity is not achieved when the people most impacted are left out of the design table. It is achieved when their experience shapes every stage of policy development and implementation, and also shapes private sector solutions as well. And third, it’s so important to increase social spending and public investment in human capital sectors like education and health, and strengthen tax policies, as has already been said, to make them more progressive and equitable.”
