Examination of the Policy Responses to Poverty Issue in Nigeria and Alternative Policy Options

Poverty remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing and persistent development challenges, despite successive government efforts to mitigate its impact through various programs and policies. This paper adopts qualitative research method to conceptualize the term poverty and critically examine the historical trajectory of poverty in Nigeria, evaluates the policy responses implemented by different administrations and provides statistical insights into the multidimensional nature of poverty in the country. Key interventions such as Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) and the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) were analyzed in terms of their design, implementation, and outcomes. The findings reveal that while some policies have achieved limited success, most have failed to deliver sustainable poverty reduction due to issues such as poor governance, corruption, lack of continuity, and ineffective targeting. In light of these challenges, the paper recommends alternative policy strategies including the adoption of Universal Basic Income, investment in human capital, progressive tax reforms, and rural development initiatives. It concludes that a comprehensive, inclusive and evidence-based policy framework, driven by transparency and accountability, and continuous reevaluation of the policy response is essential for effectively addressing poverty in Nigeria.