POVERTY ERADICATION AS A YARDSTICK FOR NATION BUILDING

Abstract

This paper examines Nigeria's efforts to combat the scourge of poverty in the country. Poverty affects a great number of Nigerian people, with over 70% of the population existing on less than one U.S. dollar a day and many more lacking access to quality drinking water, food, medical assistance, education, and employment. Poverty is a crippling condition that destroys lives and keeps people from improving their circumstances.

Given the universality of this concern, particularly in developing countries, numerous government policies in Nigeria are actively seeking to eradicate poverty. Many organizations and individuals are also working to reduce poverty levels. By working with non-governmental and government organizations, Nigeria has established poverty reduction strategies to identify the causes of poverty in the country and formulate solid goals to achieve some economic growth and development.

The paper calls for solutions to the problems of definition, apathy, structural constraints, poor implementation of government policies, and corruption if poverty eradication is to play a role in national development. Among the suggestions presented is the need for a well-coordinated and imaginative interaction between the government, non-governmental organizations, industries, and Nigerians in the eradication of poverty for national development.