Abstract
Nigeria, a country endowed with tremendous natural resources and rich ethno-cultural diversity, continues to face significant challenges in sustainable community development and poverty eradication. Despite several government policies and international aid programmes to eradicate poverty and create enabling environment for sustainable community development, poverty remains prevalent, particularly in the rural areas. This paper discusses some of the innovative approaches that have been initiated and implemented in Nigeria to promote sustainable community development and reduce poverty to improve the lives and livelihood of the citizenry. These approaches include Directorate for Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure, National Directorate of Employment, the Directorate for Mass Mobilization for social Justice and Economic Recovery, Better Life programme, Family Support Programme, Technology Integration, Community Based initiations, Microfinance, Education and Policy reforms. The paper also examines the challenges these approaches face and offers suggestions for their improvement and scalability. Through the analysis of case studies and the incorporation of global best practices, this paper offers a thorough overview of strategies that can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of development outcomes in Nigeria. DOI: https://doie.org/10.50390/NCAEJ.2026605391