ABUJA, Nigeria (Oct. 17) — ActionAid Nigeria has urged federal and state governments to invest in safe housing, social protection and economic justice as Nigeria marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

‎The group said this year’s theme, “Safe Homes for All,” shows that housing is key to human dignity and economic opportunity. It said millions of Nigerians still face poverty, food insecurity and poor housing.

ActionAid cited data showing 133 million Nigerians lived in multidimensional poverty in 2022, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. It said World Bank data showed 123 million lived in extreme poverty in 2025.

It also cited a Food and Agriculture Organization report that 36.3 million Nigerians faced acute food insecurity during the June-August lean season. The group said housing remains a major challenge, with 87 million Nigerians living in poor housing and a deficit of 17 million units.

‎Country Director Dr. Andrew Mamedu said poverty is sustained by inequality and policy choices. He called for budgets that prioritize people, stronger social protection and policies that create decent jobs.

The group called on governments to increase funding for affordable housing and basic services, expand social protection, improve transparency in the National Social Register, and ensure participation of poor people, especially women, youths and persons with disabilities in decision making.