3.3.2. Lagos, Abuja and other regional differences

3.3.2. Lagos, Abuja and other regional differences

The World Bank noted that regional inequality is significant, with the best-performing regions comparable to upper middle-income countries, while the worst-performing states sitting below the average of low-income countries.1046

The NBS household survey indicated that, in 2022, multidimensional poverty was higher in rural areas (72 %), compared to urban settings (42 %).1047 The same source indicated that in Lagos, 29.4 % of people were multidimensionally poor, while in the Federal Capital Territory, the rate was 48.3 %.1048

Germany’s BMZ indicated that living conditions in northern Nigeria are worse compared to other parts of the country due to less attention from the central government.1049 According to Oxfam, 60 % of the poorest population in Nigeria is concentrated in the northern regions.1050 The average household income in the north is around 50 000 Naira [27.73 Euros] per month, while in the south a salary can exceed 75 000 Naira [41.6 Euros] per month.1051 Net wealth1052 is also higher in the southern region, with an average of six million Naira [3 328 Euros]; followed by the western region, with an average of five million Naira [2 774 Euros]; and the northern region, with an average of 2.5 million Naira [1 387 Euros].1053 Women in the north face greater barriers and challenges due to socio-cultural norms and practices that discourage attending formal education and, as such, are relegated to household chores.1054

According to a report on poverty in Lagos published by The Conversation,1055 despite being Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, Lagos has some of the worst slums in the country, with Makoko and Iwaya experiencing high rates of deprivation in education and healthcare.1056 In these slums, for example, toilet facilities and waste management were precarious, with waste often disposed of in waterways.1057 The Borgen Project indicated that most residents of Makoko work in the informal economy, earning less than 1.25 US dollars per day.1058 Additionally, the report indicated that the ‘prevalence of both serious and minor illnesses, coupled with insufficient medical care, contributed to high mortality rates’.1059

Regarding Abuja, The Borgen Project reported that more than 50 % of people living in Abuja experience poverty, and that ‘low-income earners, including cleaners and security guards, are the most vulnerable’.1060 Wealth inequality in Abuja is ‘striking’, with upscale areas like Asokoro and Maitama exhibiting luxury cars and smooth roads, while nearby communities like Mpape and Dakibiyu are struggling with poor infrastructure, scarce clean water and unreliable electricity.1061 Sources also reported on the increasing number of beggars on Abuja’s streets, mostly coming from Northern states.1062 Nigerian newspaper Daily Trust reported on the increasing number of school-age girls who are exploited into child labour, street trading, and other menial jobs in Abuja. According to the same source, these girls include girls from Abuja whose families cannot pay for education; IDP girls, mostly from Northern states fleeing insecurity and terrorism; and girls brought to Abuja for child labour exploitation, mainly as domestic servants, in restaurants, or in shopping malls.1063