Anambra Ranks 6th Nationwide as Poverty Rate Drops to 9.6% — Soludo’s Aide

Gov Charles Soludo of Anambra State

By Titus Eleweke

Anambra State has recorded a multidimensional poverty rate of 9.6 per cent, ranking sixth among Nigeria’s 36 states and placing it among five states with rates below 10 per cent, according to the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Country Briefing.

The development was highlighted by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr Christian Aburime, who attributed the reported outcome to the administration’s policies and development programmes.

Aburime, in an article titled “Under Governor Soludo, Anambra Is Rising, Poverty Is Reducing,” said the state’s performance reflected interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, digital transformation and public financial management.

According to the article, Anambra’s 9.6 per cent rate places it behind Lagos, which recorded 3.7 per cent; Edo, 4.9 per cent; Rivers, 7.2 per cent; Ogun, 7.5 per cent; and Ekiti, 9.5 per cent.

The multidimensional poverty index measures overlapping deprivations in areas such as health, education and living standards, including access to clean water, sanitation, electricity and adequate housing.

Aburime said the Soludo administration had pursued poverty reduction through its People’s Manifesto, which focuses on security, law and order; infrastructure and economic transformation; human capital development and social welfare; governance and values; and environmental sustainability.

He cited the administration’s road infrastructure programme, stating that more than 1,000 kilometres of roads had been awarded, while 751 kilometres had been completed across the state’s 21 local government areas.

According to him, the road projects are intended to improve connectivity, ease the movement of goods and people, reduce transportation costs and strengthen access to markets for communities across the state.

Aburime also highlighted the administration’s free antenatal care and delivery services for pregnant women, alongside the construction, upgrading and equipping of healthcare facilities in the state.

He said the initiatives were aimed at improving access to healthcare and reducing the risks associated with maternal and infant health.

On education and digital development, the governor’s spokesperson cited the distribution of laptops to public servants and teachers, as well as initiatives intended to expand access to digital opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and workers.

Aburime further argued that the administration’s approach to public finance had supported its development agenda, noting that Soludo had resisted borrowing despite legislative approval to access loans.

He said Anambra’s reported position among the top five states in fiscal sustainability, based on BudgIT assessments, demonstrated the administration’s emphasis on financial discipline.

The governor’s spokesperson maintained that the combination of infrastructure development, social services, digital initiatives and fiscal management had contributed to the state’s reported poverty indicators.

However, the 9.6 per cent figure represents a multidimensional poverty measure and should be distinguished from income poverty, which assesses poverty using income or consumption thresholds.

Aburime said the state’s experience demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic opportunities in addressing deprivation.