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808 Million People Trapped In Extreme Poverty – UN Raises Alarm

Published

1 month ago

March 2, 2026

The United Nations (UN) has raised fresh concerns over rising global poverty and hunger, warning that the world is off track to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, a central target of the Sustainable Development Goals.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms on Monday, the global body disclosed that no fewer than 808 million people, representing one in every 10 persons worldwide, were living in extreme poverty in 2025.

The figure, according to the UN, reflects an upward revision from earlier projections following an update to the international poverty benchmark.

The organisation explained that the international poverty line is now defined as surviving on less than $3.00 per person per day at 2021 purchasing power parity.

“Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal aim of the Sustainable Development Goals,” the agency stated.

While acknowledging that extreme poverty has declined remarkably over the past decades, the UN lamented that progress has slowed significantly in recent years.

“If current trends continue, 8.9 per cent of the world’s population will still live in extreme poverty by 2030,” the statement added, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

Beyond poverty statistics, the UN described as “shocking” the resurgence of global hunger levels to figures last recorded in 2005.

It also noted a persistent increase in food prices across more countries compared to the 2015–2019 period, describing the combined crisis of poverty and food insecurity as a critical global concern.

The body warned that without decisive action, millions more could slide into deeper hardship as economic pressures and food inflation continue to bite.

Explaining the root causes of the crisis, the UN said poverty is multidimensional and driven by factors such as unemployment, social exclusion, and the high vulnerability of certain populations to disasters, diseases and other shocks that limit productivity.

It stressed that poverty and inequality extend beyond those directly affected, impacting broader society.

“As human beings, our well-being is linked to each other,” the statement read.

The organisation warned that widening inequality is detrimental to economic growth, weakens social cohesion, heightens political and social tensions, and in some cases fuels instability and conflict.

3.8 Billion People Lack Social Protection

On social protection, the UN emphasised that robust systems are essential to cushion shocks and prevent people from slipping into poverty.

Although many countries expanded safety nets during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global body revealed that 47.6 per cent of the world’s population, approximately 3.8 billion people, remained completely unprotected as of 2023.

This figure includes about 1.4 billion children.

Addressing the global cost-of-living crisis, the UN said 105 countries and territories introduced nearly 350 social protection measures between February 2022 and February 2023.

However, the organisation observed that about 80 per cent of these measures were short-term interventions.

“To achieve the Goals, countries will need to implement nationally appropriate universal and sustainable social protection systems for all,” the agency said.

The UN called for stronger collaboration among governments, the private sector and citizens to reverse current trends.

It urged individuals to actively participate in policymaking processes to ensure their rights are protected and their voices heard.

Governments, the body noted, must create enabling environments that generate productive employment and job opportunities for the poor and marginalised.

The private sector, it added, “has a major role to play in determining whether the growth it creates is inclusive and contributes to poverty reduction.”

The organisation further highlighted the role of science and innovation in tackling poverty, citing improvements in access to safe drinking water, reductions in deaths from water-borne diseases and enhanced hygiene standards as notable gains.

Maintaining that coordinated and sustained efforts across sectors remain critical, the UN insisted that urgent action is required to lift millions out of poverty and ensure that no one is left behind by 2030.

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Tinubu approves ₦3.3trn payment plan to restore reliable power

Published

12 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦3.3 trillion payment plan to clear long-standing debts in Nigeria’s power sector, a move aimed at improving electricity supply and boosting investor confidence.

The announcement was made in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision followed a review of legacy debts accumulated between February 2015 and March 2025 under the Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme. “Following verification, ₦3.3 trillion has been agreed as a full and final settlement, ensuring a fair and transparent resolution,” the statement said.

According to the government, implementation is already underway. Fifteen power generation companies have signed settlement agreements worth ₦2.3 trillion, while ₦501 billion has been raised so far, with ₦223 billion already disbursed.

The Special Adviser on Energy to the President, Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, said the initiative is intended to stabilise the entire power value chain. “This programme is not just about settling legacy debts. It is about restoring confidence across the power sector, ensuring gas suppliers are paid, power plants can keep running, and the system begins to work more reliably,” she said.

She added that the plan forms part of broader reforms, including improved metering systems and service-based tariffs. “It is part of a broader set of reforms already underway, including better metering and service-based tariffs that link what you pay to the quality of electricity you receive,” she said.

The government also stated that priority would be given to businesses and industries, emphasising the role of reliable electricity in economic growth and job creation. “The goal is simple: more reliable power for homes, stronger support for businesses, and a system that works better for all Nigerians,” Arowolo-Verheijen added.

Officials say clearing the debt backlog will improve liquidity in the sector, leading to more stable electricity generation and better service delivery. The presidency confirmed that the next phase of the programme, known as Series II, is expected to begin within the current quarter.

Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with low generation capacity, frequent grid collapses, and widespread outages. A 2024 report by Standard Bank estimated that the country loses around $26 billion annually due to electricity shortages, with businesses spending an additional $22 billion on alternative power sources such as generators.

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El-Rufai’s Mother Died Because Her Son Was In Custody – Okonkwo Alleges

Published

12 hours ago

April 6, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has alleged that the incarceration of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, contributed to the death of his mother.

Okonkwo made the claim while reacting to the circumstances surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and subsequent release.

The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission had earlier detained El-Rufai over alleged corruption during his time in office.

He was later arraigned before a Kaduna State High Court and granted bail.

While in custody, the former governor lost his mother and was subsequently granted administrative bail to attend her burial.

Speaking during an interview with Symponi TV, Okonkwo accused the All Progressives Congress of attempting to manipulate the judiciary.

“APC wants to use the lawyers and the judiciary; why am I saying that they want to use the judiciary?” he queried.

Citing El-Rufai’s case, Okonkwo insisted that the emotional impact of the former governor’s detention may have led to his mother’s death.

“I give you a good example of what happened in El-Rufai’s case; as far as I’m concerned, it’s the incarceration of El-Rufai that killed his mother,” he said.

He explained that elderly individuals are often emotionally vulnerable, adding that distressing news could have grave consequences.

“You know when mothers get to that age they are so sentimental, they become so emotional,” he stated.

Okonkwo recounted a personal experience to illustrate his point.

“Let me tell you, somebody told my mother that thieves stole from the houses of some of her children. She felt so bad that they had to call preachers to come and start preaching to her that nothing was wrong,” he said.

He added that the emotional toll on a 90-year-old woman could be devastating under such circumstances.

“Then you can imagine an aged woman of 90 years, and you are telling her that they arrested her son, some people might tell her that her son has died, that is what killed her, in my own opinion,” he added.

Okonkwo also questioned the timing of El-Rufai’s release, alleging inconsistency in the handling of the case.

“When the woman died, that is when they remembered that they would release El-Rufai without a court order, meaning that they are the ones using the judiciary, because you can’t disobey the order of the court,” he said.

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PHOTOS: Gunmen k!ll three in fresh Jos attack

Published

1 day ago

April 5, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Armed assailants have k!lled three people and injured one in Gyel Nyango Community in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 3, 2026.

It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically before escaping into the darkness.

Residents said some locals sustained injuries during the attack which has heightened tension in the area.

Spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attack on Saturday, describing it as “one too many” senseless assaults on innocent citizens.

“Just yesterday night, some persons came to Gyel community, which resulted in the d3ath of three persons,” he said.

“This cycle of attacks on our rural communities must stop.”

He called on security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He urged residents of rural communities in Jos South, Riyom, and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas to be vigilant.

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the incident said the attack occurred at about 9:20 pm when the victims were returning from a mining site.

Alabo said the State Command immediately deployed a patrol team led by the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division Bukuru.

He noted that the injured victim was promptly evacuated to a hospital and is currently receiving treatment.

The PPRO explained that the State Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and the Community, describing the incident as a “senseless loss of lives.”

He added that the commissioner ordered the immediate enforcement of a statewide ban on night grazing and night mining, as well as the total ban on commercial motorcycles within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Alabo also noted that a ban on commercial tricycles, popularly called Keke-Napep, had been imposed for Sunday, 5th April 2026.

He urged residents to comply with these directives and avoid unnecessary movements, particularly at night.