The article closely examines the concept and meaning of poverty, being
inclusive though not restricted to income poverty, but embracing the wider
construct of human poverty, finding expression in the requirements of human
development. It situates the fight against poverty across the globe within the
Millennium Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals of the United
Nations. In particular, Nigeria appears to be fighting a losing battle against
poverty, over the last three decades, despite committal of considerable
resources, due to insidious failure to engage beyond mere programmes and
strategies. It advocates a shift in conception and implementation on the entire
platform of household, civil society, development partners and the apparatus
of governance.