CurrentReport Blog Nigeria’s growing population is fast becoming a cause for concern, with an alarming dependency ratio of 80%. This means 80% of the population relies on just 20% for support, signaling a looming demographic crisis.
Dr. Ejike Orji, chairman of the Management Committee, Association for the Advancement of Family Planning, raised these concerns during the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Pre-Conference Media Parley. He highlighted that 75% of Nigerians are under the age of 35, with 45% being under 15 years old. Most of this demographic are uneducated, unemployed, and living in poverty, creating a fertile ground for insecurity, social unrest, and increased emigration.
A Demographic Crisis in the Making
“A country with an unproductive youth bulge is bound to face economic instability,” Dr. Orji stated. He linked the ongoing “Japa syndrome” — the mass emigration of skilled professionals — to Nigeria’s unchecked population growth.
Dr. Orji warned that Nigeria’s current fertility rate of 4.8% could see the population skyrocket to 450 million by 2050. Without intervention, the country’s limited resources could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Call for Action: Population Control and Family Planning
The expert emphasized the urgent need for systematic population control and family planning initiatives. He urged the government to reduce the fertility rate to 4% and prioritize funding for family planning programs.
Dr. Orji also called for the immediate release of the N2 billion allocated for family planning commodities in the 2024 budget. “This funding is critical for addressing the population explosion and its impact on security, education, and healthcare systems,” he stated.
The Path Forward
To reverse this trend, Dr. Orji advocated for increased investment in family planning and healthcare systems, ensuring a demographic transition that could yield economic benefits. He stressed that Nigeria’s future depends on taking decisive action to manage its population growth.
As the population continues to swell, experts agree that proactive measures are essential to avert an impending economic and social crisis. Will Nigeria act in time to secure a sustainable future?
