Peter Obi asks why Nigeria ignored World Poverty Day as public holiday
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), questioned why Nigeria did not declare the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty a public holiday, saying the day should have been used for national reflection on rising poverty. He noted that millions of Nigerians struggle to afford food and healthcare.
Citing National Bureau of Statistics figures, Obi said Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 40.1% in 2019 to 56.2% in 2023, with a projection of 63% for 2026. He asked, "What meaning does economic growth have when citizens are getting poorer, hungrier, and more insecure?" and called for better management of public resources and increased investment in education, healthcare, agriculture and small businesses.
Obi added that poverty should not define Nigeria’s future, insisting a country where citizens can meet basic needs and live with dignity is possible. The statement came amid growing concern over cost‑of‑living pressures and unemployment across the country.
Given these trends, will declaring a public holiday for poverty reflection translate into concrete policy action, or what specific steps should the government take to reverse the projected rise to 63% poverty by 2026?