In three decades, Nigeria may have a population larger than that of the United States. In 80 years, there will potentially be around 800 million people in the country, writes Danes BT.
Paying homage to coup plotters
As of 2023, the African country had an estimated population of 223 million inhabitants, according to figures from SNL. Due to the political distribution of power and economic distribution between states, the question of the size of the population is politically sensitive, and there are therefore doubts about the correctness of the data.
The country has a relatively young population, with 42 percent of the population under 15 years of age. Only three percent of the country’s population is 65 or older.
Scientists predict that in just 80 years, the country will be the most populous in the world with 800 million inhabitants – surpassed only by India.
EXPLODED: The oil tanker “The Trinity Spirit” exploded off the coast of Nigeria on Wednesday 2 February, and more have not been accounted for. Video: Twitter / Private. Reporter: Julie Tran. view more
Could mean trouble
– There is an enormous amount of potential in Nigeria, but possibly also major problems in the field. Nigeria is a large and complicated country, where population growth is enormous. The country has the potential to either become a new superpower – or a powder keg, says Niels Kastfelt, associate professor of African Studies at the University of Copenhagen to BT.
Kastfelt has written several books about Nigeria, and tells the newspaper that the country is now at a crossroads, where more of the people are now getting higher education, and that the country has enormous natural resources they can make use of.
Raises eyebrows
– But it’s either or. Many of the country’s inhabitants are now taking higher education, where more of the natural resources can be used, but if they do not make use of the potential, this could lead to a wave of migration of enormous proportions – not only in Africa, but also in Europe.
Furthermore, he adds that if there will still be poor future prospects for the younger population, this will lead to them going to other countries. To avoid this, prosperity and opportunities must be created for the population, says Kastfelt.
Torn
Nigeria is still characterized by unrest in several parts of the country.
Recently, there have been reports of an increased risk of terrorist attacks, also against the capital Abuja. The government has also urged travelers to exercise caution if they are going to visit the country.
The terrorist organization Boko Haram is also still active in the eastern part of the country, and Kastfelt believes that this is clear evidence that the central government does not have control over the country.
– Nigeria has never been as divided as it is now. There are poor economic conditions for social development in the southern part of the country, but an economic powerhouse at Lagos – which can have a great importance internally in Africa. And the rest of the world, says Kastfelt.
2023-07-30 12:24:41
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