Chief Obasanjo Cautions FG on Consequences of Surging Population

Chief Obasanjo Cautions FG on Consequences of Surging Population

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned that Nigeria’s surging population must be matched with corresponding economic growth to avoid an economic crisis.

Obasanjo added that instead of becoming a liability, the rapidly growing population can be well harnessed and should also be controlled through necessary education and national planning.

According to Obasanjo, the country could parade the third-largest population worldwide by 2050 if the current population growth rate persists.

The former president observed that Nigeria had added the population of France to itself within a few years, moving from 120 million to over 200 million.

Nigeria conducted its last population census in 2006. The census showed there were 140 million people in the country at the time.

Obasanjo opined that government did not match the rapid increase in the country’s population growth with needed infrastructures as well as other facilities.

 “We have moved from 120 million to over 200 million. We have added the population of France to our population; and if we continue the way we are going, by the year 2050, we will be the third-largest country in the world,” Obasanjo said.

He also added: “If we continue, by the year 3000, we would be the largest country in the world. What are we going to do to handle that? How are we going to handle that population? If we do not start getting it right now, we will not get it right by 2050.”

The 84-year-old former president said if the government put needed policies in place to harness its citizens’ potentials; the nation would reap the benefits of demographic dividends rather than the population becoming a liability.

“What we need to do is education about population management. Some people don’t like saying family planning; but, whatever you do, you must manage your population to the benefit of all that is living within your nation,” he said.

Chief Obasanjo made the remarks during a mentoring session with students from some selected schools across the nation in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, at the weekend.