El-Rufai: Nigerians Now Poorer Than in 1960, Offers Poverty Solutions to Tinubu Govt

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s worsening poverty levels, stating that there are now more impoverished Nigerians than the total population at the time of the country’s independence in 1960.

El-Rufai, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interactive session in Owerri, Imo State. He also shared excerpts of his speech via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“For the sake of our people, we need to have a roadmap for beating mass poverty,” he said. “It is deeply embarrassing that, judging from the population estimate in 1960, there are now more poor Nigerians than there were Nigerians at independence 65 years ago.”

Citing examples from Asia, El-Rufai said Nigeria could follow in the footsteps of China and India—countries that have made significant strides in reducing poverty—if the government treats poverty alleviation as a national priority.

“China has beaten mass poverty, while India is on a path to ending it. We too can do it if we make it a governance priority to move our people out of poverty,” he emphasized.

El-Rufai stressed the need for a pragmatic and ambitious economic programme aimed at empowering hardworking citizens rather than expanding bureaucracy.

“What is needed is not new agencies of poverty alleviation or ‘humanitarian affairs’ with massive bureaucracies, but innovative ways to make honest, hardworking citizens more productive and better-rewarded,” he said.

He also took aim at the prevailing “get-rich-quick” mentality in society, warning that such attitudes undermine genuine productivity and economic growth.

“We must discourage rent-seeking and other ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes that have become widespread. Real economic progress comes from hard work, innovation, and fair reward systems,” he added.

El-Rufai’s remarks come at a time of growing economic challenges for many Nigerians, with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity contributing to a worsening standard of living.