Gombe Among Poorest States in Nigeria as Multidimensional Poverty Index Ranks It Third Nationwide

By Our Correspondent

Gombe State has emerged as the third poorest state in Nigeria, with 86.2 percent of its residents classified as multidimensionally poor, according to the latest National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI 2022) released by TheCable Index.

The data paints a grim picture of poverty across the federation, showing that millions of Nigerians are deprived not only of income but also of basic essentials such as education, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and housing.

According to the report, Sokoto State tops the list with 90.5 percent of its people living in multidimensional poverty, followed closely by Bayelsa State with 88.5 percent, while Gombe trails in third place at 86.2 percent.

Other states with alarming figures include Jigawa (84.3%), Plateau (84%), Yobe (83.5%), Kebbi (82.2%), Taraba (79.4%), Ebonyi (78%), and Zamfara (78%). These states form the top 10 most impoverished in the country.

On the brighter side, Ondo State recorded the lowest poverty rate at 27.2 percent, followed by Lagos (29.4%), Abia (29.8%), Anambra (32.1%), and Edo (35.4%).

The findings reveal a stark disparity between states in the North and South. While poverty is overwhelmingly concentrated in northern states—with nine out of the top ten poorest being from the region—southern states generally fared better, showing less deprivation in critical sectors.

Experts warn that Gombe and other affected states face rising socio-economic challenges if urgent action is not taken to address unemployment, poor healthcare, lack of quality education, and the rising cost of living.

The NMPI 2022 serves as a wake-up call for both state and federal governments to scale up interventions in social protection, job creation, education, and rural development to prevent millions more Nigerians from slipping deeper into poverty.