Nigeria faces significant development challenges despite being Africa’s largest economy and most populous country. The country’s human capital index is among the lowest in the world, reflecting poor educational and health outcomes. According to official reports, about 38.9% of Nigerians were living below the poverty line in 2023, with an estimated 87 million people considered extremely poor making Nigeria home to the world’s second-largest population of people living in extreme poverty, second only to India.

Spatial inequalities are widely reported, with some regions performing comparably to upper-middle-income countries, while others lag, with indicators worse than those of low-income countries. The northern region, in particular, suffers from severe development deficits, compounded by recurrent climate shocks such as droughts and floods. Infrastructure gaps especially road networks and electricity supply, further constrain economic opportunities and deepen the divide between rich and poor regions.

“The poverty rate is estimated to have reached 38.9% in 2023, with an estimated 87 million Nigerians living below the poverty line — the world’s second-largest poor population after India” (World Bank, 2024).

Underdevelopment in Northeast Nigeria is both widespread and deeply entrenched. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the region consistently records some of the highest poverty rates in the country, with over 70% of the population living below the poverty line. This poverty is exacerbated by limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, leading to a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to break. The lack of infrastructure and basic services further compounds the situation, leaving many communities isolated and unable to access the resources they need to improve their lives.

Insecurity is a major challenge in Northeast Nigeria, largely driven by the ongoing insurgency led by Boko Haram and its splinter groups. The violence perpetrated by these extremist groups has resulted in the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of property, and the disruption of livelihoods. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of 2023, over 2.2 million people remain internally displaced in the region. The insecurity has also led to a breakdown in social cohesion, with communities torn apart by fear and mistrust. This has made it difficult to implement development initiatives, as both local and international organizations often struggle to operate in such a volatile environment.

“In 2023, 34 percent of citizens in contact with public officials paid a bribe or were asked to pay a bribe and refused.” UNODC, Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends"

In addition to the protracted crisis, corruption is another critical issue that undermines development efforts in Northeast Nigeria. At various levels of government, corruption has led to the mismanagement of resources, the diversion of funds meant for development projects, and a lack of accountability which has hindered the delivery of essential services, exacerbating poverty and inequality. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria consistently ranks among the most corrupt countries in the world, with corruption being particularly pervasive in regions like the Northeast, where governance is weak, and oversight mechanisms are lacking. The culture of impunity that often accompanies corruption further erodes public trust in government institutions, making it difficult to mobilize the necessary support for development initiatives.

Climate change also presents an additional layer of complexity to the challenges faced by the people in the northeast sub-region. Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States in particular are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and desertification. These environmental changes have severe implications for agriculture, which is the main source of livelihood for many in the region. The increasing unpredictability of weather patterns has also led to reduced agricultural productivity, threatening food security and exacerbating poverty. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Lake Chad Basin, which lies in the heart of Northeast Nigeria, has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s, impacting millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods.

The convergence of poverty, insecurity, corruption, and climate change in Northeast Nigeria creates a “perfect storm” of challenges that are difficult to address in isolation. Each of these issues reinforces the others, creating a cycle of vulnerability that leaves communities trapped in a state of perpetual crisis. As an organization, we believe, breaking this cycle requires a holistic and integrated approach that addresses the root causes of these challenges, rather than just their symptoms. As such, this strategic plan recognizes that sustainable development in Northeast Nigeria can only be achieved by tackling these issues simultaneously and in a coordinated manner.