US warns that Nigeria faces impending catastrophe as population growth is not being matched with job creation and amenities

AMERICA'S high commission in Nigeria has warned that unless the country takes remedial measures to address its impending population explosion it could lead to the creation of significant problems over the next 30 years.

Nigeria is currently the world's seventh most populated nation with an estimated population of 190m people and by 2050, this is predicted to grow to 400m. Statistics by experts also show that by 2040, Nigeria’s population growth would have quadrupled without commensurate amenities and employment to sustain it.

Speaking in Kaduna yesterday at a forum organised by the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Fellows, David Young, the US deputy chief mission to Nigeria, warned that the impending population explosion might create more problems than opportunities for the country in future. He added that Nigeria’s projected 400m population by 2050, may come without commensurate amenities to sustain it and therefore, will become a challenge rather than an opportunity.

He advised government to focus attention on human capital development, health, education and curbing corruption to the barest minimum. Mr Young said: “By 2050, Nigeria will have over 400m people and I think it is very important to face these challenges.

"Investing in the people, the leaders of the future is really important. I think all Nigerians recognise that addressing the issue of corruption is very important to be able to free up the funds to invest in education and health for the future leaders of this country.”

Responding, Kaduna State's Governor Nasir el-Rufai said his administration is already mindful of the rising population and has started introducing sustainable development programmes and policies geared towards developing human capital and infrastructure.

Earlier this month, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation  warned that Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will account for 40% of the world's poor people by 2050, due to the lack of economic growth in both nations. It added that to address the poverty crisis, adequate investment would need to be made in young people, especially in areas of education, health and human capital development.