Nigeria And The Population Challenge

The international community has just marked World Population Day. It is an occasion observed on July 11 every year to raise awareness about the growing global population and the challenges it brings, including inequality based on sex, poverty, maternal health, and human rights.

As we participate in activities to mark this day, Nigerians find themselves at a critical juncture in human history. Our challenges are immense, with the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and potentially peak at 10.4 billion in the mid-2080s.

The theme for this year’s event, “Investing in data collection is important to understanding problems, tailoring solutions, and driving progress,” could not be more timely or relevant. The rapid growth of the world’s population over the past two centuries is nothing short of staggering. It took hundreds of thousands of years for humanity to reach its first billion, yet in just 200 years, we’ve multiplied that figure sevenfold.

This exponential growth brings with it a host of complex issues, including gender inequality, poverty, maternal health concerns, and human rights challenges. Nigeria, set to become the world’s third most populous country by 2050, is a microcosm of these global challenges.

With over 206 million people and growing, the nation grapples with high unemployment rates, inadequate public infrastructure, and increasing demands for healthcare, education, and housing.

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If President Bola Tinubu approves the proposed November 2024 census, it will be crucial in providing up-to-date data to inform policy decisions and interventions. However, it’s not just about counting heads. As Vice President Kashim Shettima rightly pointed out, “Data is life. Data is our evidence. Data is our performance.”

In an age where information is power, comprehensive and inclusive data collection is the cornerstone of effective governance and sustainable development. The importance of data cannot be overstated. It gives leaders a realistic picture of current situations, trends, and patterns. It tells us not just how many we are but who we are—our age structure, gender distribution, location, and much more. This information is vital for making informed decisions, guiding investment choices, and charting development paths.

Yet, collecting data is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in analysing this data effectively and using it to drive meaningful change. This is where technology comes into play. By leveraging advanced data analysis tools and technologies, we can uncover previously hidden insights, identify patterns that inform policy decisions, and predict future trends with greater accuracy.

The federal government’s commitment to data-driven development is evident in several initiatives. The proposed Youth Data Bank and National Youth Development Bank, coupled with the existing N110 billion Youth Investment Fund, demonstrate a recognition of the importance of targeted interventions based on accurate data. The additional N110 billion Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters further underscores this commitment. However, these initiatives must be part of a broader, more comprehensive approach to data collection and utilisation.

As UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised, we need renewed commitment and investment to turn the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action promises into reality. One area where this is particularly crucial is women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

While progress has been made, with increased access to modern contraception and a 34 per cent reduction in maternal deaths since 2000, the fact that around 800 women still die needlessly every day in pregnancy and childbirth – mostly in developing countries – is a reminder of how much work remains to be done.

This brings the discussion to another critical point: the need for inclusive data systems. As Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, aptly said, “To go uncounted is to be made invisible and, as a result, left unserved.” Our data collection efforts must capture the

full range of human diversity, ensuring no one is left behind in the nation’s development efforts.

The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By investing in robust data collection and analysis systems, we can gain a clearer understanding of our problems and develop tailored solutions.

This approach will allow us to more effectively address issues such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and educational disparities.

Moreover, data-driven development can help the government navigate the delicate balance between population growth and sustainable resource use. As we approach the projected peak of the human population in the mid-2080s, our ability to manage resources efficiently and equitably will be crucial.

Accurate data on population trends, resource consumption patterns, and environmental impacts will be essential in formulating policies that ensure a sustainable future for all. Needless to say, let us recommit ourselves to the power of data. Let us invest in strengthening our data systems, upgrading our human resources and capacities, and promoting partnerships that facilitate the generation and use of inclusive data. Only through these efforts can we hope to build a resilient and equitable future for all.