As the global community observes World Population Day, 2023, Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has underscored the critical importance of accurate population data for national development and lamented Nigeria’s long overdue census.
In a statement on his X page on Friday, Mr Obi drew attention to the nation’s significant youth population and the urgent need for investment in their future.
Mr Obi pointed out that while the United Nations recommends a population census every ten years, Nigeria’s last official count was conducted in 2006, meaning the country has operated without clear population data for nearly two decades.
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He acknowledged Nigeria’s unique demographic advantage, noting that “about 70% of Nigeria’s population is youths,” making it the largest youth population in Africa and among the top ten globally.
Mr Obi stated, “This demographic advantage offers Nigeria great potential to establish itself as an economic powerhouse, not just in Africa, but on a global scale.”
However, Mr Obi immediately questioned whether adequate investments have been made in these young Nigerians to ensure a productive population that contributes meaningfully to national development.
He cited alarming statistics, including over 18 million out-of-school children, with a UNICEF report indicating that one in every five out-of-school children worldwide resides in Nigeria.
He posed critical questions about efforts to get these children into schools and the overall investment in education, which he described as “the biggest investment any nation can make for its population.”
Furthermore, Mr Obi highlighted Nigeria’s high unemployment and under-employment rates, exceeding 35% overall and over 45% for youth, ranking among the highest globally.
He attributed this to a pervasive lack of productivity across all sectors and noted the gradual decline of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are typically engines of economic growth.
Mr Obi urged all Nigerians to recognise their collective responsibility in addressing past failures.
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He called for a joint commitment to build a nation where children envision a hopeful future, youth discover opportunities matching their talents, and the elderly receive peace and reward for their lifelong contributions.
“We must collectively enthrone the leadership that will invest in and care for our population with no one left behind,” he said.
