The continuous rising Nigeria’s population has sparked discussion among stakeholders, who emphasized its potential strain on the country’s Economy resources. Experts have warned that Nigeria’s population could reach the projected 450 million by 2050 without immediate action to lower the country’s high fertility rates, which is driving the rising population growth. During a media roundtable in Abuja, the Federal Ministry of Health and the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) has emphasized the country’s unsustainable growth of at least 4 million new individuals being added every year.
To prevent serious socio economic problems, Stakeholders seeks to further lower the country’s fertility rate to 4.0 by 2030 regardless of previous decline from 5.3 to 4.8. Ejike Oji, Chairman of AAFP, stressed that Nigeria must follow in the footsteps of countries like China and India, which have successfully controlled population increase by investing in family planning. As a prelude to the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference, the roundtable’s objectives were to increase equitable access, leverage Private Sector innovation, bridge the gap between policy and practice.
Annual population growth rate stood at 3.2 percent.
Government officials underlined their dedication to addressing population-related vulnerabilities and accomplishing FP2030 targets. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity of concerted efforts to reduce the socioeconomic hazards associated with unregulated population expansion. The country’s current population growth, which stands at over 220 million, continues to rise, driven by its youthful demographic composition and high fertility rate. These trends lead to a 3.2% annual population growth rate, which makes Sustainable Development difficult as infrastructure, healthcare, and Education cannot keep up with the demands of the populace.
Only 23 percent of married women use modern forms of contraception, indicating that access to family planning services is still restricted. Numerous women are unable to make educated reproductive decisions as a result of supply limitations and financial shortfalls. Nigeria’s high fertility rate is caused by socioeconomic, religious, and cultural reasons. Large family sizes are valued in many communities, and there are many myths and misconceptions regarding contraception. Family planning initiatives to lower fertility rates have been acknowledged as crucial to Nigeria’s attainment of sustainable development.
Insufficient financing hindered family planning initiative.
By implementing programs such as the National Family Planning Blueprint, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed commitment to raise the prevalence of modern contraception to 27% by 2024. However, insufficient financing and enforcement of the policy have hindered implementation. For example, family planning only receives a small portion of the health budget, with funding released intermittently and inadequate public awareness initiatives. This rising population presents both opportunities and challenges for the country, with the disadvantage of overpopulation seems as the most detrimental.
Moreover, stakeholders are more concerned about the potential strain on Nigeria’s resources, economy, and social stability if the country’s population grows to 450 million by 2050. It is believed that Nigeria runs the risk of sinking even further into Poverty and Insecurity if the country’s rapid expansion outpaces its infrastructure, healthcare, and educational systems. Currently, over 10 million children in Nigeria are not attending school, and 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. The need for improved reproductive health care is also highlighted by high maternal mortality rates, which stand at 576 deaths per 100,000 live births.
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With millions of Nigerians already facing severe hunger and unemployment, stakeholders fear that an increase in the country’s population will worsen economic inequality and fuel poverty. They also worry that Nigeria would lose out on the “demographic dividend,” which is a time when the number of working-age people surpasses that of dependents. The expanding population may end up being a burden rather than a force for economic progress if sufficient funds is not allocated to healthcare, education, and job creation. These worries highlight the pressing need for strong family planning programs, infrastructural expenditures, and policy changes to limit population increase and better prepare Nigeria for the future.