Nigeria’s high population growth, matter of concern – Minister

The Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, has said the high population growth rate in Nigeria is a matter of concern.

Agba said this on Thursday at the 23rd meeting of Inter-governmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for West Africa in Abuja.

The conference was aimed at addressing human development issues in Africa such as the challenge of population growth and many others.

The minister said the meeting was organised to find solutions to the economic and social development challenges facing the various countries.

He said, “For instance, it is estimated that Nigeria’s population will hit over 411 million by 2050 with 65 per cent of the population under the age of 35.

“The high population growth rate is therefore a matter of concern as there is the need to cater for the rising population by stimulating the economy that engenders growth and creates jobs.”

According to the minister, to achieve this, the country needs to create economic activities that open up productive sectors and take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.