Nigeria Probably Has World’s Highest Number Of People Living In Poverty — EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has said Nigeria probably has the world’s highest number of people living below the poverty threshold.
“Today, Nigeria is probably the country in the world with the highest number of people living under the poverty threshold,” Mignot said in Abuja during the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
He cited figures showing that 133 million Nigerians lived in multidimensional poverty in 2022, adding that estimates from different sources suggested the situation had worsened.
The ambassador disclosed that the EU had committed nearly €45 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria in 2026, particularly to support conflict-affected and crisis-prone communities.
He said the EU was working with the Nigerian government, humanitarian organisations and local communities to connect emergency relief with long-term development solutions.
Mignot acknowledged government social protection initiatives, including the National Social Safety Net Programme and the Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme, aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians.
He also highlighted an EU-backed programme covering Abia, Benue, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Borno states to strengthen social protection policies and improve support for poor households.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “United for Peace and Human Rights, Safe Homes for All,” he stressed that sustainable poverty reduction required peace, security, dignity and respect for human rights.
He urged stakeholders to make poverty eradication a year-round priority, stating, “Humanitarian needs cannot wait, and poverty either.”
About the Author
Ayo Marvel 
Ademola Busayo