As the world marks World Population Day 2025, with the theme “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World,” attention turns sharply to Nigeria’s youth — the heartbeat of Africa’s most populous nation. The moment calls for deep reflection on how well Nigeria is equipping its young population to make informed life choices, shape their futures, and build a society where their aspirations align with national development.
Designated by the United Nations in 1990, July 11 is observed annually to spotlight pressing global population issues and their far-reaching effects on development. In 2025, the focus is clear: the youth must be empowered—not just as beneficiaries, but as key drivers of change.
Global Shifts and Fertility Trends: A Changing World Order
Around the globe, population dynamics are shifting dramatically. Many developed nations are grappling with declining fertility rates, raising alarms about future workforce shortages and aging populations. According to the European Commission, most European countries have fallen below the replacement fertility level of 2.1 children per woman. This means that many societies may not be producing enough children to sustain their current population levels.
The situation is especially dire in Eastern and Southern Europe, where population decline is accelerating. Even in Western and Northern Europe, modest population growth has been largely attributed to immigration, not births. Similarly, the United States expects its population to peak around 2080, before gradually declining. Across South America, fertility rates are also dropping, with countries like Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay seeing numbers fall well below replacement levels.
In Asia, population trends are mixed. While the continent as a whole is projected to grow by about 10% by 2050, nations like Japan, China, South Korea, and Taiwan face significant demographic challenges due to low birth rates and rapidly aging populations.
Despite these global patterns, Africa bucks the trend. With the fastest-growing population in the world, the continent is expected to double in size by 2070. And leading this growth is Nigeria—a country that currently boasts over 230 million people and is projected to surpass 400 million by 2050. This would make Nigeria the third most populous country on Earth within just 25 years.
Nigeria’s Youth: A Demographic Time Bomb or Opportunity?
With over 60% of Nigerians under the age of 25, the nation possesses one of the youngest populations globally. This youth bulge presents a powerful opportunity—but also a pressing challenge. If managed poorly, it could fuel unemployment, insecurity, and widespread poverty. However, with the right investments, this demographic could become Nigeria’s greatest asset.
Despite the sheer potential, significant gaps remain. Nigeria’s fertility rate—estimated between 4.8 and 5.3 children per woman—remains high, particularly in rural and northern regions. The 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) highlighted a troubling 21% unmet need for family planning, and shockingly, 15% of girls aged 15 to 19 are already pregnant or have become mothers.
These numbers reflect more than just statistics—they represent millions of lives affected by early marriage, limited education, lack of access to contraceptives, and deep-rooted cultural taboos surrounding reproductive health. These challenges perpetuate cycles of poverty and maternal mortality, holding the country back from achieving inclusive development.
A Strained System: Infrastructure, Health, and Education
The population boom has placed enormous strain on Nigeria’s already fragile public systems. Urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are bursting at the seams, with sprawling slums, insufficient housing, and overburdened transport systems. Meanwhile, in rural communities, basic amenities like clean water, electricity, schools, and hospitals remain out of reach for millions.
Education, a critical driver of empowerment, remains a major concern. Nigeria has over 18 million out-of-school children—the second-highest number globally. Poor infrastructure, teacher shortages, and insecurity in parts of the North compound the problem, leaving the future of millions in limbo.
In healthcare, maternal and child mortality remain high due to limited access to skilled birth attendants, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a critical shortage of health professionals. Many doctors continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, worsening the crisis.
Environmental Impacts of Population Growth
Population expansion also places Nigeria’s environment at risk. To meet housing and agricultural demands, forests are being cleared at alarming rates, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Moreover, rising demand for energy, water, and food intensifies pressure on already scarce resources, threatening ecological sustainability.
If Nigeria fails to implement policies that balance population growth with environmental conservation, future generations will inherit a degraded, fragile landscape unable to support economic progress.
The Power of Youth: Charting a New Course
Amid these daunting realities lies a powerful truth: Nigerian youth are not the problem—they are the solution. But they must be empowered to play this transformative role.
First, access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education must become a national priority. Young people should be encouraged to make informed decisions about family planning without stigma. This requires breaking cultural taboos and making contraception widely available—especially for adolescents and rural populations.
Second, girls’ education must be seen not only as a right but as a strategic imperative. Educated girls marry later, have fewer children, and contribute more productively to society. Investments in girls’ education yield long-term dividends for health, income, and social stability.
Third, Nigeria must create economic pathways for youth. With millions entering the labor market every year, job creation must be aggressive and inclusive. Vocational training, digital literacy, entrepreneurship programs, and start-up support are essential tools to unlock youth potential.
Youths must also look beyond traditional employment to embrace innovation, technology, and self-employment. Developing digital skills, embracing green jobs, and participating in the gig economy can position Nigeria’s youth as global contributors.
Responsible Parenthood and Climate Consciousness
Today’s youth must understand the importance of responsible parenthood. Having children should be a conscious, planned choice, aligned with one’s resources and readiness. Open conversations about sexual health, contraception, and reproductive rights are critical to curbing unplanned pregnancies and promoting healthier families.
Furthermore, Nigerian youths must lead the charge toward climate-conscious living. The battle against environmental degradation needs new voices and bold policies. From waste management to clean energy use, the youth can drive the shift toward a greener Nigeria.
Policy Makers Must Rise to the Challenge
While youths have a vital role, the government must lead the way. Stronger investments in healthcare, education, family planning, and job creation are non-negotiable. Policies must be backed by effective implementation and accountability.
Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the implications of rapid population growth. Strategic planning today will determine whether the country’s human capital becomes an economic goldmine—or a ticking time bomb.
Conclusion: Youth as Architects of a Fair and Hopeful Nigeria
On this World Population Day 2025, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The youth are ready to build a future rooted in fairness, opportunity, and hope—but they cannot do it alone.
With the right tools, knowledge, and support systems, Nigeria’s young population can redefine what it means to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Empowering them is not just a goal—it’s the only path toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
