Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed concern over projections that about 141 million Nigerians could be living below the poverty line by 2026.
Sani reacted on Thursday via a post on his verified X handle, describing the projection as alarming and deeply troubling for the country’s future.
The warning follows findings in the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 report titled “Turning Macroeconomic Stability into Sustainable Growth,” which highlights worsening poverty levels despite recent economic reforms.
The report estimates that by 2026, about 62 per cent of Nigeria’s population—roughly 141 million people—could be living in poverty.
Reacting to the figures, Sani described the outlook as ironic, noting that it comes at a time when state and local governments are receiving higher allocations than at any point in Nigeria’s history.
“The report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) that about 141 million Nigerians are expected to live below the poverty line is alarming. That is more than half the population of this country,” he said.
He warned that the situation posed a serious risk to national stability if left unaddressed.
“This is a time bomb that must be addressed to prevent a national social uprising,” Sani added.
The comments have renewed debate over public spending, governance, and the effectiveness of economic policies in improving living standards across the country.