By: Vincent Ikuomola
In a world grappling with persistent poverty, China has emerged as a global model for successful poverty eradication—lifting nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty since 1978. This staggering achievement, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of global poverty reduction, has drawn attention from policymakers and development experts worldwide, including Nigeria.
A joint report by China’s State Council and the World Bank titled *Four Decades of Poverty Reduction in China* describes the feat as “historically unprecedented.” Rural disposable income in previously impoverished counties rose from 6,079 yuan in 2013 to 16,396 yuan ($2,316) in 2023, underscoring the long-term impact of targeted poverty alleviation efforts.
Central to China’s strategy was the vision of a “Moderately Prosperous Society,” a concept that guided national policy for decades. President Xi Jinping redefined prosperity not merely by GDP growth but by the complete elimination of extreme poverty. “We cannot announce the complete construction of a ‘moderately prosperous society’ if the living standards of tens of millions remain below the poverty line,” Xi declared.
This philosophy set the tone for a nationwide mobilization that left no village or remote community behind. China’s approach combined agricultural reform, industrialization, urbanization, and massive infrastructure development with targeted social programs. Key strategies included relocating people from remote areas, integrating environmental protection with income generation, and expanding access to education and healthcare.
The success of China’s Party-led governance system in implementing these policies offers valuable lessons for Nigeria, especially under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Vice President Kashim Shettima recently articulated the administration’s transformative vision, describing it as a “covenant between us and the people.” He emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to embrace global opportunities and reposition itself as a prime investment destination.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, added that the Renewed Hope Agenda goes beyond macroeconomic reforms. “It is about creating concrete opportunities for prosperity across sectors—for individuals, for families, and for communities,” he said.
The administration’s roadmap includes bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which Idris described as a “painful but necessary” decision. The savings from this policy shift are now funding major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway.
In addition, over 900,000 small businesses have benefited from the Presidential Conditional Grant and Loan Scheme, while thousands of students are accessing higher education through the Students’ Loan Scheme.
Experts argue that Nigeria’s push for local government financial autonomy could be a game-changer in bridging the urban-rural divide. With increased allocations and freedom to implement grassroots projects, local governments are poised to drive employment and economic activity at the community level.
The creation of Regional Development Commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development further signal the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. These initiatives mirror China’s rural revitalization efforts and could help Nigeria close the gap between urban and rural communities.
As Nigeria navigates its path toward economic renewal, China’s experience offers a compelling reminder: with visionary leadership, targeted policies, and inclusive governance, poverty can be not just reduced—but eradicated.
