DEPARTMENT For International Development (DFID) has projected that Nigeria would become the third most populous country in the world, after China and India and transit from lower to higher middle-income country with a GDP per capita of over $8000 in the next 40 years, if it invests in more ambitious family planning, education and economic reforms.
Head of Office, DFID Nigeria, Ms Debbie Palmer, gave the projection while speaking at the conference of 400 youths political candidates, tagged ‘The Convergence’, organised by YIAGA AFRICA, an NGO at the forefront of the Not Too Young To Run (NTYTR) campaign, held in Abuja, recently.
She, however, said, for the country to attain that goal, it needed a labour force that was educated and that had the right skills, noting that the economy must provide a large supply of jobs for the educated labour force.
“Our concern is that continued rapid growth in the population will result in more poverty, higher unemployment and higher risks of instability. I know what I am about to say probably sounds controversial, but I will say this and you can debate it.
“The revenue intakes for Nigeria are low and it is not clear how the additional investments required would be financed with current inflows. So there is a bigger question on that to be answered,” she said.
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Ms Palmer, however, said the country should not be bothered about the perceived hindrances as, according to her, the present crop of youths who she said would constitute the next generation of leadership, should bother themselves about the issues inherent in ensuring sustainable development.
Addressing the 400 youths who were seeking election into various public offices in the 2019 elections on the basis of the NTYTR campaign, the DFID chief said, while the elections were of utmost importance, they were not the ultimate towards achieving the development projection.
“Whether elected or not, these are the issues you need to care about; and especially if you get elected, these are the issue areas you need to be developing policy and plans for. So when we see your manifestos and your commitments, they should reflect the issues of importance to Nigeria.
“Not hate speech, not fake news, not a denigration of political opponents. Focus on issues of education, health, security, accountability, inclusion. Focus on the real issues, as these are what will matter in the years to come.
“By the way, if you are not successful at the polls this time, you can still engage on these issues- volunteer, join advocacy campaigns, work in your communities and, of course, you must run again in the election after this one. This is not just your right; it is also your responsibility.
“The Not Too Young To Run campaign was the first ever of its kind in Nigeria, but it shows what advocacy, determination, political astuteness, networking and sacrifice can yield. Some of you are here today because of that campaign, so I have to remind you of the values you need to hold dear as you vie for office.
“It doesn’t matter what the other contender is doing or saying; stay in your lane of dignity, inclusion and integrity. Remember, women matter and PWDs matter, so don’t leave them behind either. They have the same rights you do and they too have a contribution to make,” he said.