The Roles of the Government in Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

The Roles of the Government in Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria- In Nigeria, poverty is a widespread and urgent problem. According to the World Bank, more than 40% of the population is poor, with many struggling to get their basic needs for food, shelter, and healthcare.Information Guide Nigeria

The poverty rate is particularly high in rural areas, where a lack of economic opportunities and access to services can make it difficult for people to escape the cycle of poverty. Given the high poverty rate and the challenges it poses for the country’s development, there is a pressing need for effective poverty eradication programs and policies in Nigeria.

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What is Poverty?

Poverty is a complex and multi-dimensional phenomenon typically defined as a lack of access to the resources, goods, and services necessary for a person or household to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, healthcare, education, and other necessities. Poverty can be measured in different ways, including using income or consumption levels as a proxy, but it is generally considered more than just a lack of income. Poverty is often associated with many other factors, such as social exclusion, inaccessible education and healthcare, and inadequate infrastructure that can limit a person’s ability to participate fully in society and lead a fulfilling life.

Poverty can have far-reaching and devastating effects on individuals and communities, including their health, education, and economic opportunities. It can also have broader social and economic consequences, such as hindering economic growth and contributing to inequality and social tensions. Poverty is often intertwined with other complex issues, such as inequality, social exclusion, and lack of access to services, making it difficult to address and eradicate. As a result, poverty is a major global challenge that requires coordinated and sustained efforts to address its root causes and provide support and opportunities for the poor.NYSC Portal

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What is Poverty Alleviation?

Poverty alleviation refers to efforts to reduce or eliminate poverty, particularly in low-income or developing countries like Nigeria. This can involve a range of measures, such as providing aRoles of the Government inccess to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities and implementing policies to address inequality and improve living standards for the poor. The ultimate goal of poverty alleviation is to help people escape poverty and improve their quality of life.The Roles of the Government in Poverty Alleviation 

Nigeria has seen many poverty eradication or alleviation programmes. Some targeted specific needs like housing, employment, and education, while others targeted the generality of poverty alleviation. The number of these poverty alleviation programmes is mostly because successive governments discontinue support for the previous programme only to establish a new programme.Top 5 Home Robots to Choose in 2023

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Some poverty alleviation programmes that have been established in Nigeria include:

(1) Operation Feed the Nation: It was established in 1979 by Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and focused on increasing the availability of food products at low prices. It was discontinued in 1979.

(2) Green Revolution: The Shehu Shagari regime created this program in 1979 after discontinuing the OFN. It has a similar objective to the OFN, emphasising increasing food production. The Gen Muhammadu Buhari regime halted the Green Revolution. Instead, his regime believed poverty could be alleviated by instilling discipline and curbing corruption.20 Best Shoe Organizers in Nigeria and their Prices

(3) The Peoples Bank and Directorate of Foods Roads and Rural Infrastructure: The Gen. Babangida regimes established the People Bank to provide loans to entrepreneurs with almost no collateral. On the other hand, the Directorate of Foods Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI) was charged with the mandate of opening up rural areas via roads to improve rural access to basic amenities.

(4) Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority: The Babangida regime established the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority to replace subsistent farming with commercial farming to boost agricultural output. Finally, the most impactful programme is the National Directorate of Employment.

Other schemes include the Family Economic Advancement Programme and the Family Support Program under the Abacha regime and, more recently:

• National Poverty Eradication Programme
• Youth Empowerment Programme
• Rural Infrastructure Development Scheme
• Social Welfare Service Scheme,and
• National Resources Development and Conversation Scheme.
• N-Power
• Market Moni

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Roles of the Government in Alleviating Poverty in Nigeria

(1) Providing access to education: Educating children, especially girls, can help break the cycle of poverty by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to get better jobs and improve their economic prospects.

(2) Implementing economic policies to promote growth and create jobs: Economic policies encouraging businesses to invest and create jobs can help reduce poverty by providing people with opportunities to earn income and support themselves and their families.

(3) Investing in healthcare and social services: Providing access to quality healthcare and social services can help improve the health and well-being of poor people, which can, in turn, help them escape poverty.

(4) Reducing inequality: Addressing inequality through progressive taxation and income redistribution policies can help reduce poverty by ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are shared more equally among the population.

(5) Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship: Encouraging and supporting small businesses can create jobs and provide income-earning opportunities for poor people.

(6) Investing in infrastructure: Building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can create jobs and stimulate economic growth, which can, in turn, help reduce poverty.

(7) Providing social safety nets: Governments can provide social safety nets such as cash transfer programs and food assistance to help poor people meet their basic needs and protect them from the worst effects of poverty.

(8) Promoting financial inclusion: Ensuring that poor people have access to financial services such as savings accounts and credit can help them manage their money and build assets, which can help them escape poverty.

(9) Addressing gender inequality: Women and girls often face greater poverty and inequality than men, so addressing gender inequality through policies such as equal pay and access to education can help reduce poverty overall.JAMB Portal

(10) Supporting sustainable development: Promoting sustainable development that balances economic, social, and environmental goals can help ensure that economic growth is inclusive and benefits all members of society, including the poor.

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Conclusion

Poverty has a profound and negative impact on development, both in Nigeria and around the world. When large segments of the population lack access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare, it can hold back economic growth and prevent people from reaching their full potential. Poverty can also contribute to social problems such as crime and conflict and can lead to various negative health outcomes.

Given that the global population is set to rise in the coming years, the challenges posed by poverty will only become more urgent, making it even more important for governments and other organisations to implement effective poverty eradication programs. Finally, to promote sustainable and inclusive development, it is essential to address poverty and its root causes and to provide people with the opportunities and support they need to improve their lives and escape poverty.JAMB Result

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