Experts have projected that Nigeria’s population could surge to 450 million by 2050 if current fertility rates remain unchanged.
Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) Management Committee, shared this projection at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Pre-Conference media roundtable in Abuja.
Dr. Oji emphasized the need to reduce Nigeria’s fertility rate from 4.8% to 4% by 2030 to avoid severe economic and developmental challenges. He pointed out that Nigeria’s population is growing rapidly, adding about four million people annually.
Without intervention, this growth could lead to significant issues, similar to those faced by India and China before they reduced their fertility rates.
The roundtable highlighted family planning as a critical solution to manage population growth, drive sustainable development, and unlock economic potential, especially for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
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