Government launches nationwide poverty database, targets N3.2 trillion to boost economic growth

The Federal Government has introduced a unified national poverty register, accompanied by a proposed N3.2tn humanitarian and poverty reduction fund, aimed at enhancing coordination and driving sustainable economic growth across the country.

n

This initiative seeks to streamline existing fragmented programmes into a cohesive structure focused on long-term outcomes, as stated by the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, during a workshop on One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System held on Tuesday.

n

Doro explained that the Unified National Exceeds Register is designed to facilitate transitioning out of poverty by providing skills, assets, livelihood support, coaching, and mentoring, with the ultimate goal of ensuring individuals are either employed or have businesses that support independence.

n

Once individuals achieve independence, they will be moved to a Unified National Growth Register, which will be used for monitoring to ensure sustained growth and prevent a slide back into vulnerability, according to Doro.

n

He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach, noting that the current system has scattered programs, and the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) will help establish a unified national system with a single national register.

n

The minister added that the OHOPRS will improve monitoring and governance, enabling real-time digital tracking and governance coordination, whereas the current system relies on manual tracking and lacks an exit strategy.

n

Doro highlighted the multidimensional nature of poverty, stressing that collaboration across government institutions is crucial for success, and that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction will lead a coordinated active and system board with sector-specific programs.

n

He noted that poverty is not just about money, but also about access to healthcare, education, and other essential services, and that addressing it will require an all-of-government approach, with different ministries, departments, and agencies working together.

n

Doro also emphasized the importance of partnerships and private sector involvement, saying that partners and entrepreneurs must align with the national roadmap and priorities to create strong national priorities and drive innovation and sustainable financing.

n

The minister warned of growing socio-economic pressures, including escalating climate shocks, displacement, and economic headwinds, and stressed the need for fiscal prudence, saying that the country cannot afford to delay unifying its efforts to address poverty.

n

Doro outlined the expected outcomes of the initiative, including a real-time national poverty dashboard and a coordinated humanitarian response system that anticipates shocks before they happen.

n

He called for integration across programs, saying that all existing programs must be integrated into the OHOPRS framework, with data committed to a unified national benchmark and utilized for poverty exit pathways.

n

The government has also unveiled plans for a National Humanitarian & Poverty Reduction Trust Fund with a total target of N3.2tn, which will draw contributions from the Federal Government, development partners, the private sector, and climate and global funds.

n

The funding targets include N1.5tn from the Federal Government, N800bn from development partners, N600bn from the private sector and impact finance, and N300bn from climate and global funds, with contributions expected from the World Bank, European Union, United Nations, and other organizations.

n

The minister described the broader reform as transformative, saying that the OHOPRS is Nigeria's blueprint for lifting people from poverty to prosperity, with a focus shifted from the poverty line to the prosperity line.

n

According to the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics, Adeyemi Adeniran, credible data is essential for addressing poverty, and without it, interventions risk becoming fragmented, duplicative, or misaligned with the needs of the most vulnerable.

n

Adeniran cited recent data, including the National Multidimensional Poverty Index, which shows that approximately 63% of Nigeria's population, equivalent to 133 million people, are multidimensionally poor, with deprivation concentrated in housing, sanitation, health, education, and security.

n

He noted that the new system will rely heavily on data integrity and collaboration, and that the National Bureau of Statistics will ensure data quality and harmonization, as well as enable system interoperability and provide analytical capacity for supporting decision-making.

n

Adeniran warned of the risks of poor data, stating that it can mislead the entire project, and emphasized the importance of high-quality data for precise targeting and fostering public trust in the system.

n

He revealed ongoing collaborations to strengthen data systems, including working with the ministry to promote the adoption of national metadata standards and unique identifiers, and ensuring that all beneficiaries have unique identifiers.

n

Adeniran stressed the importance of collective action, saying that no single institution can address the complexity of poverty and humanitarian needs alone, and that collaboration with the government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector is essential for establishing a transparent, inclusive, and responsive system.