Tinubu urged to conduct census this year, implement population policy
Tamarauemi Ebimini
National President of Population Association of Nigeria, Prof. Rhoda Mundihas, yesterday, called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure conduct of the population and housing census this year.
She said to solve the population paradox, it is imperative for Nigeria to accurately determine its populace and implement measures to intentionally create a productive and manageable population.
Speaking at the 41st inaugural lecture, organised by the University of Abuja, with support from Research and Project Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, Mundihas stated that for Nigeria to reverse insecurity, banditry, unemployment and dwindling economic fortunes, the nation must implement the national population policy and invest in family planning.
Her words: “Nations like Japan and Canada are having population decline, and looking for immigrants. Africa was never afraid of population originally, but in spite of our population, productivity has continued to decline. Population ought to be a blessing. So, what is going on?
It is projected that by 2050, world population would be nine billion and the greatest contributor will be Asia and Africa. By that same 2050, Nigeria’s population is expected to hit 400 million. There will be increase in insecurity, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes if we don’t handle our population well.
The planned census should not exceed this year. Huge amount has been spent on preparations, mock exercise and training of ad hoc staff.”
She, therefore, urged the President to provide adequate funding for family planning, implement national policy on population and collaborate with sub-national governments to ensure productive population that would drive nation growth.
While disclosing that population is not a negative challenge, Mundihas said where more people are pursuing less economic opportunities, the likelihood for banditry, criminality and backwardness would spell doom for the country.
“I am calling on President Tinubu to implement the national population policy and invest in family planning. ”
