Nigeria May Have World’s Largest Poor Population, EU Says, Commits €45m in Aid
The European Union (EU) has warned that Nigeria may have the world’s largest population of people living below the poverty threshold. The bloc has also committed nearly €45 million in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable communities across the country in 2026.
EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Gautier Mignot, made the remarks in Abuja during an event marking the 2026 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Mignot described poverty as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. He called on the Federal Government, international partners and other stakeholders to sustain efforts aimed at reducing hardship and improving living conditions.
According to the envoy, about 133 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2022. He added that estimates from various sources suggested the situation may have worsened since then.
EU Commits Nearly €45m to Humanitarian Support
Mignot disclosed that the EU had committed almost €45 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria in 2026. The funding is intended particularly for communities affected by conflict, displacement and other emergencies.
The assistance is being provided through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. It is designed to address urgent humanitarian needs while supporting efforts to build resilience among vulnerable populations.
The ambassador explained that emergency relief and long-term poverty reduction require different but complementary approaches. While humanitarian aid helps people meet immediate needs, sustainable development programmes can create lasting opportunities for households to escape poverty.
He also stressed that meaningful poverty reduction depends on peace, security, dignity and respect for human rights. Families struggling to afford basic necessities, he noted, may find it difficult to feel secure and fully enjoy their rights.
EU Supports Nigeria’s Social Protection Programmes
The envoy acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce poverty through social investment initiatives, targeted cash transfers, livelihood support and stronger social protection systems.
He identified the National Social Safety Net Programme, the Nigeria Community Action for Resilience and Economic Stimulus, and the Renewed Hope Social Protection Programme among the initiatives intended to assist vulnerable Nigerians.
Mignot also highlighted the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Social Protection Project, which is supported through Nigeria’s partnership with the World Bank. The initiative is expected to improve assistance to vulnerable households and strengthen their ability to withstand economic and social shocks.
In addition, the EU is supporting Nigeria through its Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria programme. The initiative works with government institutions and development partners, including UNICEF, GIZ, the International Labour Organisation, ActionAid and Oxfam.
According to Mignot, the programme covers Abia, Benue, Oyo, Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa and Borno states.
Its key objectives include improving social protection policies, expanding social registers to identify more vulnerable households, and strengthening data systems for planning and resource allocation.
Ambassador Calls for Better Coordination
Mignot said multidimensional poverty assessments help governments identify overlapping challenges in education, healthcare, nutrition and living standards. These assessments can help authorities direct assistance to communities and households with the greatest needs.
He added that the EU had supported the review of Nigeria’s National Social Protection Policy, alongside the development of state-level policies and a Social Protection Bill.
The ambassador also called for stronger coordination between emergency relief and long-term development programmes. He noted that poor households are particularly exposed to crises, including severe acute malnutrition.
Also Read: 4 Asian Destinations Nigerians Can Consider for Visa on Arrival
He welcomed efforts to ensure that Nigerian authorities at federal, state and local levels gradually take greater responsibility for funding and coordinating humanitarian assistance.
Mignot commended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, for his efforts and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s poverty reduction drive.
EU Urges Year-Round Action Against Poverty
The event was held under the theme, “United for Peace and Human Rights, Safe Homes for All.” Mignot said tackling poverty requires a coordinated and sustained approach involving government agencies, civil society, local communities and international development partners.
He urged stakeholders to treat poverty reduction as a continuous priority rather than an issue to address only during special campaigns or commemorative events.
“Humanitarian needs cannot wait, and poverty either,” the ambassador said.
The EU’s latest commitment, he added, forms part of broader efforts to address immediate humanitarian needs while supporting more sustainable solutions to poverty and vulnerability in Nigeria.
