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Nigeria Disputes World Bank's Poverty Claims, Calls Estimates Unrealistic

10/10/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Nigerian government has challenged the World Bank's report claiming that 139 million citizens live in poverty, labeling the figure as "unrealistic."
Special Adviser Sunday Dare stated that the World Bank's estimate, based on a global poverty line of $2.15 per day, does not align with Nigeria's economic conditions.
The government argues that this estimate exceeds the new minimum wage of ?70,000 and fails to account for informal economies.
Despite the criticism, the World Bank maintains that poverty levels are high and urges Nigeria to implement economic reforms to enhance living standards.

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Story summary

The Nigerian government has challenged the World Bank's report claiming that 139 million citizens live in poverty, labeling the figure as "unrealistic."
Special Adviser Sunday Dare stated that the World Bank's estimate, based on a global poverty line of $2.15 per day, does not align with Nigeria's economic conditions.
The government argues that this estimate exceeds the new minimum wage of ?70,000 and fails to account for informal economies.
Despite the criticism, the World Bank maintains that poverty levels are high and urges Nigeria to implement economic reforms to enhance living standards.