From Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto
Sokoto State government has approved a Multidimensional Poverty Index, MPI, survey to generate reliable data on poverty and inequality across the state.
This initiative, scheduled from June 19 to July 9, aligns with Governor Ahmad Aliyu’s nine-point Smart Agenda, focusing on key areas like assessing access to quality education and literacy rates, evaluating access to healthcare services and health outcomes, analyzing employment opportunities and job security, examining housing conditions, access to clean water and sanitation and assessing availability and accessibility of essential services.
The survey aims to provide crucial insights into the root causes of poverty and inform policy decisions to address them. By understanding the multidimensional nature of poverty, the state government can develop targeted interventions to improve the well-being of its citizens.
The key objectives are to generate reliable and actionable data on poverty and inequality, inform policy decisions to address poverty and promote economic development and support key priorities, including security, economic development, education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Sokoto State has one of the highest poverty rates in Nigeria, with approximately 91 percent of its population experiencing multidimensional poverty, according to the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index report. The survey’s findings will help policymakers develop evidence-based solutions to tackle poverty and improve living standards in the state.
