Preparing for future Nigerians

IT is important for Nigerians to know that with our high growth rate, a time will come when we will find it hard to provide basic amenities for the coming generation. At the moment, we are estimated to be around 187 million people, but by 2050, Nigeria is projected to be the fourth most populous country in the world after China, India and Indonesia.

So, when that time comes, there will be more people competing for healthcare services, spaces in schools, food, among others. While huge population can have its advantage if the government can plan well for it, in the case of Nigeria, we are known for our lackadaisical attitude towards issues, and it is doubtful if there is any plan already in place to cater for future Nigerians when our population will hit 300 million.

We still have a long time to go before we reach that target, but it is necessary for the government to establish a ministry that will be in charge of planning for our coming generation now. The ministry will be responsible for mapping the expected population in each geo-political zone, thereby suggesting to government the number of schools, hospitals, recreation centres, among others, to build in a particular region.

Whether we like it or not, the future will be here with us one day, so it is important we begin to plan towards that time so that there won’t be war when people begin to compete for land and services.

• Cynthia Uloma,

Wuse 11,

Abuja.