- Peter Obi criticises APC government policies for worsening poverty despite economic reforms.
- World Bank reports 139 million Nigerians living below the poverty line in 2025.
- Obi says over 50 million Nigerians fell into poverty in the last two years under Tinubu’s rule.
- He urges government to focus reforms on production, small businesses, and human development
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of worsening poverty in Nigeria despite implementing several economic reforms.
Obi’s comments followed the World Bank’s latest report released on October 8, 2025, which revealed that 139 million Nigerians now live below the poverty line, up from 87 million in 2023.
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In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the figures as a tragic reflection of poor governance and misplaced priorities. He said the increase in poverty under the APC-led government showed that its policies were not working for the people.
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According to Obi, “In two years under the APC administration, more than 50 million Nigerians have been pushed into poverty. This is a heartbreaking reflection of how deeply our nation is failing its citizens.”
He criticised the government for responding defensively to the World Bank report instead of addressing the growing hardship faced by citizens.
Obi argued that despite the numerous “celebrated reforms,” poverty levels have continued to worsen due to lack of clear economic direction and the failure to invest in productive sectors such as agriculture, small businesses, education, and healthcare.
“The reasons these reforms are not working,” Obi said, “stem from the absence of a coordinated plan and the inability to channel gains into feasible and productive areas that will benefit ordinary Nigerians.”
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He called for deliberate and people-oriented reforms that promote production over consumption, support local enterprises, and ensure that government spending improves citizens’ welfare.
Obi concluded by saying that “no nation can truly prosper when most of its citizens are trapped in poverty. With the right leadership, Nigeria can still work for every Nigerian.”
