US envoy says Nigeria at risk of population explosion by 2050

The United States Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Mr David Young, has said Nigeria’s population may hit 400 million by the year 2050.

Young expressed concern that the huge population if not properly handled, could create more problems than opportunities for the country in the future.

The envoy made the observation during an interactive forum with  members of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Fellows held at the Government House in the Kaduna.

He said it’s worrisome that the increase in population may come without commensurate amenities and human capital to sustain it, and could become a challenge than an opportunity for the country.

He advised the government to focus attention on human capital development, health, education and curbing corruption to the barest minimum.

“We are in Kaduna to speak to young people who are the future leaders of the country. As we have discussed, the challenge in 2050 for Nigeria are both opportunities and challenges particularly with the great population that is coming.

“By 2050, Nigeria will have over 400 million people. I think it’s very important to have these challenges, investing in the people, the leaders of the future is really important. I think all Nigerians recognize that addressing the issue of corruption is very important to be able to free up the funds to be able to invest in education, health for the future leaders of this country,” he said.

Governor Nasir El-rufai while speaking at the occasion said his administration is mindful of the rising population growth, hence it had  started  introducing sustainable development programmes and policies that are geared towards developing human capital and infrastructure.

He said, “I think the leadership of the country is aware, I can only speak for Kaduna state. As the Ambassador pointed out, what is important in taking advantage of this demographic explosion is investment in human capital, investment in education and healthcare. And we are doing that in Kaduna state. Part of the reason why we took some very difficult decisions to improve public education at the primary and secondary school levels, is for that reason.

“There is nothing bad about having a huge population provided that the population is educated, healthy and productive. China is doing very well despite its huge population. So, we dont see it as a problem, provided we do the right thing. And in Kaduna state, we are doing the right thing.”