Nigeria’s rapid population growth has been described as a key challenge to the national planning and economic development.
This was contained in a press statement signed by The Challenge Initiative, TCI, Devcom programme officer, Ms. Omobonike Adebayo, issued to DAILY POST.
The statement said effective and inclusive population management was one of the key factors for national growth and sustainable development.
The statement was in commemoration of the “world population day.
According to the statement, “the rapid population growth in Nigeria is one of the major challenges affecting national planning and economic development.
“The challenges with rapid population growth, which exacerbates poverty, strains healthcare systems, and impedes sustainable development. The country’s current population exceeds 200 million, with projections indicating continued rapid growth.
“Embracing the power of inclusive and comprehensive data collection and analysis are critical for effective family planning.
“This is essential to manage the demographic trend, ensuring that resources are adequately allocated to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“The 2024 World Population Day is a pivotal moment for the country to reflect on her challenges and realise the importance of family planning and childbirth spacing to address the country’s unique demographic needs, particularly in urban, peri-urban, rural and underserved areas.
“Comprehensive data collection and analysis helps to institute informed planning and service delivery which is very essential for all states to address the needs of the populace and to deliver the ‘dividends’ of democracy, which has eluded Nigerians since the inception of the current democratic governance in 1999.”