Inequality in Nigeria: exploring the drivers

Publication date: 16 May 2017
Author: Emmanuel Mayah, Chiara Mariotti, Evelyn Mere, Celestine Okwudili Odo

Nigeria is seen as Africa’s largest economy and one of the fastest-growing in the world. Yet, more than half of the Nigerian population still grapple with extreme poverty, while a small elite enjoys ever-growing wealth.

The disparity is such that the amount of money that the richest Nigerian man can earn annually from his wealth is sufficient to lift 2 million people out of poverty for one year.

This report provides a picture of the current state of poverty and economic inequality in Nigeria, identifies the main drivers of this situation and presents some policy solutions.