Nigerian per capita income has seen a dramatic decline, plummeting by 72.8% to approximately $877 in 2024, marking the lowest level since 2004. This stark drop is largely attributed to ineffective economic policies over the past decade, according to SB Morgen, a Lagos-based data and intelligence firm.
In 2014, the per capita income was around $3,223, but recent estimates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlight the sharp deterioration in economic conditions. This decline positions Nigeria uniquely as the only country in the region to experience such a substantial drop since 2014, while its West African neighbors, including Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, have seen more modest increases in income.
“Given the global economic challenges affecting all ECOWAS countries, Nigeria’s poor policy-making is evident,” SB Morgen noted, underscoring the nation’s lag in economic resilience.
Economic experts, including Adeola Adenikinju, president of the Nigerian Economic Society, emphasize that Nigeria’s GDP per capita has been on a downward trend since 1960. With a current per capita income now only 7% of China’s, the implications for living standards in Nigeria are severe.
The decline is also reflected in Nigeria’s nominal GDP, which has fallen to $285 billion, making it the fourth largest economy in Africa, down from its previous standing as the largest. Samuel Sule, CEO of Renaissance Capital Africa, attributes the income drop to a combination of stagnant GDP growth and a rising population.
The situation is exacerbated by the naira’s dramatic devaluation, which has fallen from around N150 per U.S. dollar in 2013 to over N1,700 today, significantly increasing the cost of imports and contributing to high inflation rates, currently at 32.7%. This combination has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerian households, pushing around 129 million citizens into poverty.
Experts suggest that reversing this downward trend requires a comprehensive reform strategy. Adenikinju advocates for policies that stimulate economic growth and attract investment, emphasizing the need for a conducive business environment to restore investor confidence.
Financial analyst Ibrahim Rafiu adds that diversifying the economy beyond oil is crucial. Investments in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing are essential to create jobs and enhance economic resilience against fluctuations in oil prices.
As Nigeria grapples with these economic challenges, the path to recovery will demand significant policy shifts and strategic investments to uplift the average Nigerian’s living standards and restore the nation’s economic standing.