The implications of Nigeria’s projected population growthto about 400 million in about 25 years time are profound and multifaceted, encompassing challenges related to resource management, employment, public services, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Nigeria can harness its growing population as an asset rather than a liability, paving the way for a prosperous future for all its citizens.
Considering however the slow rate of development; as well as limited resources available to government and the citizens, it is important that families are raised with caution, and consciousness for moderation. Since it is unrealistic to expect government to provide basic necessities of life freely to the people, basic wisdom dictates that individual must plan meticulously for the needs of all members of his family. The repercussion for lack of planning can be grave and destabilizing for the country.
The Population Reference Bureau’s recent report highlights that Nigeria’s current population of 232 million accounts for 2.85 per cent of the global total; and by 2050, Nigeria is expected to become the third most populous country in the world, trailing only India and China. The country’s population is projected to rise by 54 per cent increase in population by 2050, to approximately 400 million. This presents significant challenges and unprecedented opportunities that cannot be ignored.
This rapid population increase will lead to heightened demand for essential resources such as food, water, housing, and healthcare. This surge in demand can strain existing infrastructure and services, exacerbating issues such as food insecurity and inadequate healthcare access. It is to be noted that the infrastructure is in serious deficit presently.
With a large youth demographic, Nigeria will face significant challenges in job creation. Current unemployment rates are already high, with estimates suggesting that about 23 per cent of the labour force is unemployed. If economic growth does not keep pace with population growth, this could lead to higher rates of youth unemployment, contributing to economic instability and potential social unrest. Research indicates that Nigeria’s economic growth has not kept pace with its population growth. As the population expands, per capita income is likely to decline unless there are substantial investments in education and job creation. Without effective intervention, the economic burden of a rapidly growing population could hinder overall development and exacerbate existing inequalities.
Unchecked increase in population will place additional pressure on public services such as education and healthcare. The current system may struggle to accommodate the rising number of students and patients, leading to overcrowded classrooms and healthcare facilities. This strain can diminish the quality of services provided, further impacting human capital development.
Also, the anticipated population growth raises concerns about environmental sustainability because increased demand for land for housing and agriculture can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Moreover, the pressure on natural resources may exacerbate climate change effects, making it crucial for Nigeria to adopt sustainable practices in urban planning and resource management.
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities. A larger population can lead to a more extensive labour force and potentially greater market size for goods and services. So, if harnessed effectively, this demographic shift could result in a demographic dividend that boosts economic growth.
As government educates citizens to opt for smaller families that they can manage, government shouldadopt a proactive and strategic approach to harness this potential and address the accompanying socio-economic hurdles.Failure to act could exacerbate existing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and social unrest.
Essentially, this demographic shift necessitates immediate action to ensure that the country can support its burgeoning population with adequate resources, infrastructure, and services. Hence, the need for urgency of action that prioritises education, healthcare, economic diversification, and sustainable development practices.
Currently, about 63 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 25 years old, underscoring the urgency of investing in education and vocational training. Education is not just a right; it is a critical investment in human capital. As such, government must prioritise universal access to quality education ensuring that every child has access to free or affordable and quality education. This requires building more schools and increasing the number of qualified teachers and enhancing educational materials. As the population grows, so does the need for skilled labour. Hence, the need to expand vocational training programmes to equip young people with the skills necessary for meaningful employment, thereby reducing unemployment rates and fostering economic growth.
In addition, government should increase investments in primary healthcare systems to ensure that all citizens have access to essential health services. This includes expanding maternal and child health services. Investing in healthcare not only enhances life expectancy but also boosts productivity by ensuring a healthier workforce. Again, it is important to promote family planning which can help manage population growth substantially.
Presently, available statistics suggest that only 63 per cent of married women aged 15-49 engage in some form of family planning. Increasing access to contraceptives and reproductive health education can empower families to make informed choices about childbearing; improve overall health outcomes and avoid undue burden of large families that are disproportionate to means of livelihood.
Nigeria must also diversify its economy beyond oil dependency. This involves consistently encouraging entreprenuershipand significant investment in agiculture. Government may do well to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to create jobs and stimulate local economies, by providing incentives for startups and small businesses through grants, loans, and training programes for small businesses, particularly those led by women and youth in order to drive job creation and economic growth.
Furthermore, infrastructure development should be at the front burner; and both the public and private sectors should collaborate to invest in transportation to imporve connectivity between urban and rural areas. Additionally, they should invest in affordable housing projects to accommodate the growing population; and prioritise access to clean water and sanitation facilities, which are essential for public health and quality of life.
Nigeria should revise her population policy to be more pointed on implementable strategies with time-bound action steps for managing growth sustainably while addressing socio-economic challenges; and improve governance structuresto be more transparent and accountable, to build trust within communities and to ensure effective implementation of policies and programmes aimed at managing population growth.
With acollaborative and coordinated approach, Nigeria can emerge as a leader on the global stage, harnessing its demographic dividend for sustainable development and improved quality of life for all its citizens. Now is the time to plan and begin execution of the programmes.
