The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to tackling poverty through accessible, affordable healthcare and strengthened agricultural initiatives.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing pervasive poverty, the government emphasized ongoing policies and programs designed to deepen and expand supportive infrastructure.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, emphasised the government’s commitment to policy reforms aimed at reducing disparities and promoting equitable wealth distribution.
Recognising the critical role of the private sector, the Minister noted that empowering small and medium-sized enterprises remains a key focus, acknowledging that such efforts are invaluable in addressing poverty and driving economic growth across Nigeria.
Pate spoke in Abuja during the 31st LAPO Development Forum, where he highlighted the government’s determination to focus on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and strengthening health systems under Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The forum was organised by the Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO).
Represented by Kamil Shoretire, the Director of Health, Planning Research and Statistics at the Ministry, the Coordinating Minister emphasized that initiatives like the Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers aim to revitalize the nation’s health sector and combat poverty.
These efforts, according to him, are designed to reduce citizens’ healthcare expenses, allowing them to allocate resources to other pressing needs.
While commending LAPO for its innovative contributions to poverty alleviation, Pate urged attendees to prioritize health discussions, highlighting health as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national security.
Sen. Aliyu Sabi, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who also emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, noted that agriculture is essential to Nigeria’s development, poverty alleviation, and food security.
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Noting that the sector’s potential remains underutilized despite Nigeria’s natural resources and youthful population, Sabi said, “Our focus is to change this paradox where inequality persists and the Renewed Hope Agenda, led by President Bola Tinubu, is determined to stimulate economic growth and improve citizens’ quality of life.
“This agenda prioritizes agricultural innovation, infrastructure investment, and support for smallholder farmers by expanding access to resources and markets.
“Investing in value addition and agro-processing will not only maximize economic benefits but also create employment opportunities,” he added.
While calling for inclusive policies that bridge economic gaps and uplift the most vulnerable, the Minister said LAPO’s activities align with government goals in rural development and poverty reduction through innovative microfinancing.
The former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, who chaired the forum, noted that the year’s theme, ‘Paradox of Poverty in a Wealthy Nation’, reflects the ongoing challenge of poverty amid Nigeria’s natural resource wealth.
While calling for policy reforms alongside immediate social protection measures, Oyegun said LAPO’s success in providing essential services and life-transforming opportunities outside government intervention is worth emulating.
He commended LAPO’s longstanding commitment to empowering low-income Nigerians through credit, health, and social programs while adding that for fostering discussions on poverty, healthcare, and financial inclusion, the LAPO Development Forum has underscored the importance of intellectual insight in development initiatives.
The founder of LAPO, Godwin Ehigiamusoe, highlighted the enduring impact of the LAPO Development Forum, which he said has tackled Nigeria’s development challenges since 1994.
Now in its 31st edition, he said the forum maintains a focus on poverty and economic issues in resource-rich Nigeria. Ehigiamusoe emphasized that addressing poverty demands policy reform, social protection, and empowerment programs, involving both governmental and non-governmental efforts.
LAPO has pioneered solutions, providing financial services to millions across Nigeria and Sierra Leone, he said, adding that LAPO has introduced micro-insurance, micro-leasing, and impactful health initiatives, including the Benin Medical Care facility and a widely recognized community-based cancer project.
In 2023, according to him, LAPO impacted 1,724,157 lives through community health, economic empowerment, and legal services.
The LAPO Agricultural and Rural Development Initiative disbursed N22.6 billion, supporting 324,070 clients, he noted.
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of tackling poverty as a multidimensional issue, stressing the need for decent work and social protection.
“Over 63% of Nigerians—about 133 million people—live in multidimensional poverty,” he noted, highlighting impacts on food, healthcare, education, and housing.
Noting that poverty’s impact is stark, affecting access to food, healthcare, education, and housing, Mamedu said, “As the world races toward 2030’s Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria must prioritize effective poverty reduction policies for a sustainable future”.