The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over Nigeria’s poverty levels, charging the Federal Government to learn from countries that have made measurable progress in reducing poverty.
Obi made the call in a statement marking World Statistics Day on Tuesday, October 20, stressing that reliable data, evidence-based policies and international best practices were essential to effective governance and national development.
Citing Bangladesh as an example, the former Anambra State governor said the country lifted about 34 million people out of poverty between 2010 and 2022, while its extreme poverty rate declined from 12.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent.
He argued that Nigeria could study the policies and strategies behind Bangladesh’s progress and adapt relevant lessons to its own economic realities.
Obi identified agricultural growth, export-oriented manufacturing, microfinance, social safety nets, human capital development and infrastructure investment as key areas that contributed to poverty reduction in Bangladesh.
He also cited Vietnam, Rwanda, Morocco and India as countries Nigeria could learn from in its pursuit of economic growth and social development.
Obi faulted the APC-led Federal Government over poverty, insecurity, unemployment and inequality, arguing that Nigeria’s development policies should be guided by credible statistics and measurable outcomes rather than assumptions.
He maintained that adopting proven strategies from countries that had recorded progress in poverty reduction would be critical to improving living standards and addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.