Inequality Report: Nigeria is the worst country in Africa

General News of Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

2019-07-09

According to reports by OXFAM and SEND West Africa, Nigeria has been ranked among the countries most at risk from rising inequality.

Although Nigeria is the largest economy with a population of about 200 million, the majority lacks access to safe water and adequate sanitation.

According to the report, ten million children are out of school and more than half of the population (112 million) lives in extreme poverty.

To eliminate poverty in Nigeria, it would take about $ 24 billion. Nigeria has been recognized as one of the most unequal countries in the world, with levels of inequality comparable only to those of Brazil.

According to the index, in West Africa, Nigerians have had poor results in the three pillars.

The Nigerian government has the worst score on social spending not only in West Africa, but globally among the 157 countries led by the global IRC index. This is due to insufficient investment and poorly targeted policies in the country.

Professor Godfred Bokpin noted, however, that a country like Nigeria, home to such a large population, should not be at the bottom of the index.

"Nigeria being a record holder, its commitment to reduce inequality is at its lowest, maybe the country with the largest number should make more effort … but overall, this is not the case. Is not good "

He urged African countries to expand their income circle by stopping illicit cash flows.

"One study has shown that Africa loses about $ 50 billion a year through illicit financial flows, which shows that Africa is leaking and how much we are losing. flows. If we could stop all these leaks, we can increase budget coverage without burdening the few faithful. "