The National Population Commission (NPC) is urging the Nigerian government to invest in youth education and healthcare to transform the nation's population into an asset [1].

Failure to develop the young population could turn a potential economic advantage into a national burden, risking the country's long-term stability and growth.

Nigeria's population has reached 238 million [1], [2], [3]. The NPC said that governments at all levels must make deliberate investments in skills development, employment, and healthcare for young people to ensure this growth is productive [2], [3].

Dr. Festus Olujuyitan said, "Nigeria could squander its demographic advantage unless governments at all levels make deliberate investments in young people through education, skills development, healthcare, employment..." [2].

The commission said that the current population size must be viewed as a strategic resource rather than a liability [1]. By prioritizing the needs of the youth, the NPC said the government can secure a demographic dividend, the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population's age structure.

This push for investment comes as the NPC identifies critical gaps in how the state supports its largest demographic. The agency said that without a concerted effort to integrate young people into the workforce through specialized training, the country may miss a pivotal window for economic acceleration [2].

“"Nigeria’s 238 million population must become asset, not burden"”

The NPC's warning highlights the precarious nature of a 'demographic dividend.' While a large youth population can drive massive economic productivity, it requires a foundation of health and education to be successful. Without these investments, a rapid population increase can instead lead to higher unemployment and social instability.