1.0 Introduction
Urban poverty is a complex phenomenon, which is undermining the sustainable development of a growing number of cities, regions and countries all over the world. Systemic changes and sustainable development policies are required to reaffirm equality and eliminate the many issues that the nature of urban poverty poses for housing, natural environment, sanitation, health, education, social inclusion and security, livelihoods and the special needs of vulnerable groups (Ahmad and Puppim de Oliveira, 2015; Hilson et al., 2018; United Nations,2015, 2017).
The global level of extreme poverty rose for the first time in the past 20 years, of which Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for more than half of the global total population in poverty. Although the overall poverty rate of Sub-Saharan Africa has declined slowly over the years since the 1990s, apparent differentiation remains among countries, and some have not fundamentally improved (Zhang et. al, 2023).
According to Fotso (2006) and Ogwumike (2002), Poverty is one of the consequences of urban population explosion in developing countries. This resulted from interrelationship amongst downward pressure on lower income wages, economic pressures and social and emotional problems of households in the context of rapid urbanization. In developing countries, cities are faced with the challenge of providing adequate housing, basic infrastructure and social services for the growing urban population. As at today, the expansion of urban infrastructure can hardly keep pace with the continuous growth of the population. As a result, many city dwellers and especially also new arrivals live in simple, informal settlements (“slums”) at first and many ends up there permanently. The number of people living in slums around the world is on the rise.
The United Nations in 2019 predicted that the highest population growth is projected to occur in less developed regions (i.e., East Asia, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa), which also have the largest slum populations. In other words, by 2030, a total of 3 billion people are estimated to lack adequate and affordable housing, and majority of this population will be with the sub-Saharan African countries where Nigeria falls under. Specifically, the United Nations forecasts that the population of Nigeria will double by 2050, making it the third largest country in the world (UNDESA, 2019). Given Nigeria’s size and growth potential, the pressure to safeguard and improve the lives of its citizens is significant.
Efforts have been made by successive governments in ensuring the reduction or eradication of extreme poverty in Nigeria. However, following the economic recession experienced in the country in year 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of poverty in the country especially within urban areas was exacerbated. To this effect, in 2021, the government intensified its commitment to eradicating extreme poverty in Nigeria and accelerates a steady human capital growth when the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the launch of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS)—a 10-year programme to accelerate the reduction in poverty through economic growth, social protection programmes, and other sectors. The Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is one of the in-flight projects of the NPRGS.
The Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (2022) is a frontline effort at creating an evidence-based, Data Demand and Use strategy for achieving the Presidential mandate of lifting 100 million out of poverty in a decade. Furthermore, as it relates to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda, ‘leave no one behind’, it shows the inter linkages of deprivations experienced by poor people: No Poverty (SDG 1); Zero Hunger (SDG 2); Health and Well-being (SDG 3); Quality Education (SDG 4); Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6); Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7); and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).
2.0 Focus of Discussion
Following the completion of the survey and for sustainability purpose, the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index has since been adopted as the national measure for poverty that complements monetary measurements. This adoption is reflected in the National Development Plans (2021–26 and 2026–30), and the 10-year programme of the NPRGS.
Therefore, our focus at this month’s lecture is the review of this document and what impacts have this made on achieving the global targets of the SDGs as well as those set nationally. The objective is to gain better understand of poverty, especially in the urban milieu.
Our resource persons would first justify the need for this data to serve as the national measure for poverty in Nigeria. Also, they would further identify salient figures and data noted in the survey and juxtapose with the reality. They would consider if the aim of the survey which is to help in reducing multidimensional poverty in country overtime is being achieved.
Importantly, the resource persons would discuss around the recommendation of making this survey a major monitoring indicator for the initiative of lifting 100 million people out of poverty by 2030 and many more.
Therefore, the discussion will focus on the following issues, among others:
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The concept of poverty – its definition, dimensions etc.
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Variation across space – urban, rural and across different parts of Nigeria;
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Overview of the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index Survey;
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NMPI Survey Methodology;
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Key findings of the NMPI Survey Report;
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Tackling urban poverty in Nigeria;
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Urban Planning and urban poverty; and
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Recommend policies and programmes for tackling poverty in Nigeria.
Without doubt, a look into this subject matter could go a long way in assisting NITP Lagos State Chapter in recommending policies or actions that can be of immense value to the Government
3.0 Resource Persons
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Guest Speaker: Dr. Moshe Hirsh, ROM Transportation Engineering, Israel.
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Discussants
- Tpl. Prof. Taibat Lawanson, FNITP Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Lagos
- Tpl. Olutunde Babawale, FNITP Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Lagos State
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Rapporteur: Tpl. Oluwafemi Popoola, Senior Town Planner, Tade Planning Services
4.0 Schedule
Date: Thursday, 27th June, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM Prompt
Mode: Virtual (Z00m)
