The National Population Commission has urged governments at all levels to make deliberate investments in education, healthcare, skills development and employment for young people, warning that Nigeria’s growing youthful population could either become a demographic dividend or a missed opportunity.
The NPC Chairman, Dr Aminu Yusuf, represented by the Federal Commissioner in Gombe State, Abubakar Danburam, made the call on Thursday during a press briefing in Gombe ahead of the commemoration of the 2026 World Population Day.
He noted that Nigeria, with an estimated population of 238 million people, remains the most populous country in Africa and one of the youngest globally, with those aged between 15 and 29 accounting for about 30 per cent of the population.
“The future of every nation is shaped not merely by the size of its population, but by the opportunities available to its people, especially its young population,” he said.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future,” Danburam said Nigeria’s youthful population presents enormous opportunities if properly harnessed.
