The newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has unveiled the Federal Government’s bold plan to lift 133 million Nigerians out of poverty. This announcement comes as the nation grapples with a significant poverty rate, as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics, which states that 65% of Nigerians suffer from multidimensional poverty.
Speaking after assuming office and addressing heads of agencies under the ministry on Monday, Dr Edu emphasized that achieving this ambitious target will require a series of interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty. “Our paramount focus will be on raising the living conditions of 133 million Nigerians who currently live in poverty,” she stated. “Although it may be a gradual process, through unwavering determination and a strong will, we firmly believe that this objective is within our reach.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had set a goal during his administration to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, an objective that regrettably remained unfulfilled. Now, Minister Betta Edu has taken over from Sadiya Umar Farouq, assuming the critical responsibility of addressing the manifold challenges that poverty poses to millions of Nigerians.
