The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called on the Federal Government to end speculation over Nigeria’s population size, emphasising that reliable demographic data remains fundamental to effective planning and investment.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja ahead of the 2026 World Population Day commemoration, UNFPA Nigeria Resident Representative Muriel Mafico stressed that the country already possesses the expertise and tools required to generate accurate demographic information.
“We should not be guessing. Are we 240 million? Are we 250-something million? Are we going to be 450 million in 2050? We should not be guessing,” she stated.
Mafico noted that demographic profiles being developed across states, alongside the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, provide rich data that could guide development planning at both national and sub-national levels.
“Investing in quality data enables the government to determine where resources, programmes and services are most needed and ensures interventions reach priority communities. That is why we remain committed to investing in data so that we are evidence-driven,” she added.
Youth Population Central to Demographic Future
This year’s World Population Day theme, “Realising the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People—Today and for the Future,” reflects findings from UNFPA’s Global Demographic Futures Survey, which involved more than 100,000 young adults across 73 countries.
According to Mafico, the survey revealed that young people continue to value relationships, family and parenthood but face significant economic and social barriers. Financial security, stable employment and emotional readiness were identified as major prerequisites for starting families, alongside concerns about unequal caregiving responsibilities.
With Nigeria’s estimated 73.1 million young people aged 10 to 24 representing more than 30 per cent of the population, the country’s youthful demographic presents a significant opportunity to reap the demographic dividend through sustained investments in health, education, skills development and employment.
However, Mafico expressed concern that 12.5 per cent of Nigerian youths are not in education, employment or training, while 93 per cent of employment exists within the informal sector.
She urged governments at all levels to strengthen implementation of existing youth policies, improve inter-agency coordination, expand access to quality education and affordable housing, and promote peace and security.
NPC Supports Data-Driven Planning
Earlier, National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman Aminu Yusuf confirmed Nigeria’s estimated population of 242 million, making it Africa’s most populous nation and one of the world’s youngest countries.
Yusuf noted that people aged 15 to 29 account for nearly 30 per cent of the population, stressing that the country’s future depends on creating opportunities for its young people.
He highlighted government interventions under the Tinubu administration, including youth skills development, student loans, vocational training and digital birth registration, as evidence of commitment to addressing youth development challenges.
However, he identified infrastructure deficits, insecurity, rising living costs and weak implementation of existing policies as major obstacles to harnessing the demographic dividend.
“We cannot plan for a population we do not accurately count. A credible, technology-driven Population and Housing Census remains the ultimate tool required,” Yusuf said.
He called for accelerated review of the National Youth Policy and urged sustained investment in health, education, skills acquisition and reproductive health to unlock Nigeria’s demographic potential.
NPC Director-General Osifo Ojogun noted that available estimates put Nigeria’s population below 250 million, pending a new national census, adding that only the federal government could determine the date for the next census.
“The use of data should become cultural, a way of life. Let us plan with data,” Ojogun said.
World Population Day is observed annually on July 11 to raise awareness about global population issues and their implications for sustainable development.