Nigeria has 12th lowest GDP per capita globally — IMF

According to a 2025 report by Visual Capitalist based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, Nigeria ranks as the 12th poorest country in the world by GDP per capita, with a figure of $807. Out of 189 countries assessed, Nigeria is placed 178th, reflecting the significant economic hardship faced by many of its citizens despite its status as one of Africa’s largest economies by total GDP.

The report highlights how GDP per capita, which measures a country's economic output per person, reveals disparities that total GDP figures may mask—particularly in heavily populated countries like Nigeria and India. While India ranks 50th poorest with a GDP per capita of $2,878,it is also the 4th largest economy in the world, showing that a large population can significantly dilute per capita wealth.

In Nigeria’s case, its low per capita income points to underlying structural issues such as chronic conflict, fragile institutions, and limited industrial development, which continue to suppress income growth. The report also lists South Sudan as the world’s poorest country, with a GDP per capita of just $251, followed by 

Several other African countries—including Madagascar, Yemen, Burundi, the Central African Republic, and Malawi.Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Niger—are also among the world’s poorest. Notably, data was unavailable for countries like Afghanistan, Syria, Palestine, and Sri Lanka.