Opinion
Nigeria’s Population: Any Advantage?
The recent report on the world’s population increase to eight billion with Nigeria being the sixth most populous nation has renewed the concern about the nation’s soaring population and the need to manage it. Based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nation’s data, Nigeria’s population is now 218,227,744, an equivalent of 2.64 per cent of the total world population. Discussing the development on national radio recently, analysts dwelt more on the negative sides of Nigeria’s population which may not be unknown to many people. Key among the points they raised was that the huge population weighs heavily on the limited infrastructure in the country. They cited the public schools where equipment, hostels and other facilities originally meant for may be 30 people are today being used by about a hundred students or more; the roads that are constantly in a state of disrepair because of over usage, depletion of natural resources, poor access to health care and education, high rate of unemployment, high poverty rate, insecurity, overcrowding, environmental issues, among others.
As a matter of fact, these are challenges associated with poor management of population. That is why some people have posited that a large population is not a problem, what is rather a problem is how it is managed or mismanaged as economic resource. China’s experience has laid credence to this assertion. Are we not marvelled at how China, a country of over one billion people, the most populous country in the world, has used the huge population to her advantage?According to a published white paper of the Government of China, captioned, “ China’s Population and Development in the 21st Century, faced with the challenge of huge population, weak economic foundation with relatively inadequate resources per capita”, the Chinese government formulated and implemented a population policy which conforms to China’s reality and has greatly contributed to the stabilisation of the national and the world population and to the promotion of human development and progress. The Chinese government is willing to continue its efforts together with the international community to practically solve the problem of population and development”
Of course, China has her own drawbacks, particularly on the issues of human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of association and all that. Her Communist system of government is not to be envied. But as per being able to manage and maximise her population, we must give it to her. The country is today dominating different industries. Many countries are trooping to China for the production of virtually everything because of the inexpensive manpower. Reports have it that China is the leading exporter of textiles and clothes in the world, taking advantage of her huge population. Other countries like Singapore, and South Korea have also skillfully and productively managed their dense populations. The question then is what is Nigeria doing with her huge population? What is the government’s plan on putting the nation’s human capital into profitable use? Who says the success story of China and these other countries cannot be the case of Nigeria if the nation manages her population and other resources well? About 53.7 percent of Nigeria’s population are youth, ready to be empowered so as to contribute immensely to sustainable development and growth of the country. How is the nation turning this huge youthful population to economic assets?
Records from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have it that 13.9 million Nigerian youths are unemployed. This huge number of vibrant, talented young men and women are viable tools for the insecurity bedevilling the nation. What is a better way of profitably engaging them than through technological training and support for the ones so disposed. This way, these young men and women can be turned into technicians, craftsmen, artisans and tradesmen who will contribute to national development through development of local fabrications, machines and tools for industrial use. One thinks it is high time the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Science and Technology and other relevant bodies harnessed all these raw talents and nurtured them for the good of the country. It is also important that attention be paid to the technical colleges in the country to ensure that the main goal of technical institutions, which is, to provide career-oriented training was not jettisoned. According to the Nigerian national policy on education, technical education should be concerned with qualitative technological human resources development directed towards a national pool of skilled and self-reliant craftsmen, technicians and technologists in technical and vocational education fields. The fact is that the curriculum, government policies, embezzlement of education development funds, corruption and other challenges faced by these technical colleges have impeded the actualisation of the objectives. What measures are being taken to make things right?
It is good that entrepreneurship is now taught as a compulsory subject in some higher institutions in the country. It should not end in theory. Let the syllabus be drawn in such a way that the students will go for several months of industrial training that will enable them to stand on their own upon graduation instead of searching for unavailable white-collar jobs. But a suitable environment must be created for small and medium scale businesses to thrive. Power supply should no more be epileptic, energy security should prevail and the diesel and PMS affordable. Then it will almost be a magic for the small businesses to survive. The need for the development of the agricultural sector to help in providing food, employment and other resources for the country has long been canvassed. As usual the government would always claim that huge investments are being made in the sector with little or nothing to show for it. The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has not failed to use any given opportunity to remind us that Nigeria is sitting on a total land area of 910,770km2 (351,650sq. miles) and that the vast agricultural lands in the country, particularly in North is lying waste, promising just like many other political aspirants before him, to turn these arable lands to gold, if elected.
Painfully, the years of insecurity across the country have forced many farmers to desert their farms and seek other means of survival. Hundreds of them are languishing in Internally Displaced Peoples’ (IDP) camps. It is therefore imperative that in order to maximise the benefits of the population of Nigeria, leaders at the three tiers of government must effectively manage the population and nation’s resources. All the contestants across party lines should come up with concrete plans of how to solve the corruption problem in Nigeria, plan to revive our refineries so that local production of energy commodities can resume, plan to resuscitate the moribund cotton and textile industries, develop the education sector, tackle insecurity and other issues bedevilling the agriculture sector. Nigerians want their would-be leaders to go beyond the usual rhetoric and seemingly impossible promises to tell the citizens how they will turn the huge Nigeria’s human capital to a great economic strength. There is no doubt that when the majority of our young ones are gainfully engaged, the rate of insecurity, kidnapping and other forms of crime associated with the youth in the country will be reduced and the country will be better. As an expert said, “ a large population of unskilled, economically unproductive, unhealthy, and poorly educated young people is a burden to society.” The sooner this was tackled the better.
By: Calista Ezeaku
Opinion
Restoring Order, Delivering Good Governance
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Opinion
Checking Herdsmen Rampage
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
Opinion
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
As insurgency has risen to an all time high in the country were killings has now grown to be a normal daily activity in some part of the nation it may not be safe to say that Nigeria still practices democracy.
Several massacres coming from the Boko Haram and the herdsmen amongst all other insurgencies which have led to the destruction of homes and killing, burning of communities especially in the northern part of the country. All these put together are result of the ethnic battles that are fought between the tribes of Nigeria and this can be witnessed in Benue State where herders and farmers have been in constant clashes for ages. They have experienced nothing but casualties and unrest.
In the month of June 13-14, the Yelwata attack at the Guma Local Government Area by suspected gunmen or herdsmen who stormed the houses of innocent IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) claiming the lives of families, both adults and children estimated to be 200 victims. They were all burnt alive by these unknown gunmen.
This has been recorded as one of the deadliest insurgencies that had happened in recent years. Some security personnel that were trying to fight the unknown gunmen also lost their lives.
Prior to the Yelewata attack, two days before the happening, similar conflict took place in Makurdi on June 11, 2025. 25 people were killed in the State. Even in Plateau State and the Southern Kaduna an attack also took place in the month of June.
All other states that make up the Middle Belt have been experiencing the farmers/herders clash for years now and it has persisted up till recent times, claiming lives of families and children, homes and lands, escalating in 2025 with coordinated assaults.
Various authorities and other villagers who fled for safety also blamed the herdsmen in the State for the attack that happened in Yelwata community.
Ehebha God’stime is an Intern with The Tide.
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