The Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis using Multidimensional Overlapping Deprivation Analysis approach has revealed that approximately 54% of children in Nigeria are multi-dimensionally poor, by facing at least three deprivations across seven dimensions of child rights including nutrition, healthcare, education, water, sanitation, adequate housing, and information – a statement from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed.
The Situation Analysis indicates that child poverty rate is highest among children aged 16– 17 years and least among children aged 0–5 years, noting that children are most affected by poverty because they are vulnerable, and that poverty has long-term impacts on the well-being of children, even into adulthood.
According to the statement, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo today launched three reports: “The Situation Analysis of Children in Nigeria, the Multidimensional Child Poverty Analysis in Nigeria and Monetary Child Poverty in Nigeria prepared by the Ministry of Budget and National Planning in collaboration with UNICEF.
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It was explained that multidimensional poverty in children is more prevalent in rural settings with 65.7 %, than urban areas with 28.4 %; meanwhile there are also high state disparities ranging from 14.5 % in Lagos to 81.5 % in Sokoto.
The monetary child poverty report showed that 47.4 % of children face monetary poverty by living in households with expenditure less than 376 naira five kobo a day being the national poverty line; as Slight differences are observed between boys placed at 47.98 % and girls at 46.8 %, while there are also high geographical and state disparities from 6.5% in Lagos to 91.4% in Sokoto.
The report further posited that 24.56% of children i Nigeria, face extreme poverty by living in households that spend less than 1.90 dollars a day.
The analysis indicated that the country would need as roughly as 1 trillion naira to lift children out of poverty.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins said that data is critical for effective budgeting and decision making – and that the data from the surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria has a long way to go towards ensuring the well-being of children and families in Nigeria, with persistent multi-dimensional poverty being a crucial obstacle.
Hawkins also said an analysis of the reports indicates the need for improved social protection measures to ensure that children are protected from risks, along with an expansion of access to much-needed social services.
“Data is critical for effective budgeting and decision making – and the data from these surveys together paint a picture of the situation for children and families in Nigeria.
“We still have a long way to go towards ensuring the well-being of children and families in Nigeria, with persistent multi-dimensional poverty being a crucial obstacle. The findings of these reports will help guide the federal and state governments as they plan their budgets – providing evidence for where more funds need to be allocated and wisely spent.”
