The Nigerian government says poverty continues to rise in the country despite overall economic growth in the past few years.

The National Bureau of Statistics says 61 percent of Nigerians were living on less than $1 per day in 2010, compared to about 51 percent in 2004.

It says the percentage of Nigerians living in what it called “absolute poverty” also stood at 61 percent in 2010, up from 55 percent six years earlier.

The highest rates of poverty were measured in Nigeria's northwest and northeast. The report also noted rising income inequality in Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters in Abuja, bureau chief Yemi Kale said the trends and income inequality may have increased further in 2011.

Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer, pumping more than two-million barrels per day, but is plagued by corruption and lack of development.

The government battled militants in the oil-producing south for several years and is currently struggling to contain a wave of violence in the north. The government blames the violence on the radical Muslim sect Boko Haram.