Nigeria's 238 million people must become asset, not burden, NPC

Nigeria's National Population Commission (NPC) is calling for strategic investments in its burgeoning youth population, warning that this demographic could either become a significant asset or a missed opportunity. The commission emphasizes that the nation's future hinges on providing education, healthcare, skills development, and employment for its young people.

Dr. Aminu Yusuf, NPC Chairman, represented by Federal Commissioner Abubakar Danburam, stated that Nigeria, with an estimated 238 million people, is Africa's most populous nation and one of the world's youngest. He noted that individuals aged 15 to 29 constitute about 30 percent of the population. "Young people are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs and active agents of change whose aspirations, talents and contributions will shape the future of our nation," Danburam said, underscoring their role in national progress.

Despite progress in some areas, persistent challenges remain. While the Total Fertility Rate has slightly declined, adolescent fertility stays high at 15 percent due to limited access to reproductive health services. Youth unemployment and underemployment are also major concerns, exacerbated by a mismatch between educational curricula and labor market demands. Furthermore, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20 percent of the world's out-of-school children.

To counter these challenges, the NPC highlighted several federal government initiatives under President Bola Tinubu's administration. These include the 3 Million Technical Talent program, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, vocational training, and expanded digital birth registration. These programs aim to harness the potential of young Nigerians and ensure they become a demographic dividend rather than a burden.

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Young people are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are innovators, leaders, entrepreneurs and active agents of change whose aspirations, talents and contributions will shape the future of our nation.