An African country that ranks among the world’s top ten most populous nations is growing so fast that “it will top 300 million people” by 2050, experts have estimated.
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and one of the most populous in the world, with an estimated population of over 223 million people as per census data for 2023.
A global report by the UN estimated that the population of Nigeria is projected to surpass that of the United States by about 2050, at which point it would become the third largest country in the world.
Among the ten most populous countries globally, one is in Africa (Nigeria), five are in Asia (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan), two are in Latin America (Brazil and Mexico), one is in North America (United States), and one in Europe (Russia).
The report stated: “By 2050, six countries are expected to exceed 300 million: China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the USA.”
With around 60 percent of the population under the age of 25, Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world.
This youthful demographic presents both opportunities and challenges. While a young workforce can boost economic productivity, it also increases demand for education, jobs, and healthcare services.
The country’s population is not evenly distributed. The southern regions, including states like Lagos and Rivers, have denser populations compared to the northern states.
However, cities in the north, such as Kano, are also highly populated.
The country is incredibly diverse, with over 250 ethnic groups and a multitude of languages. The largest ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, and this diversity adds to Nigeria’s cultural richness but also presents governance challenges as the government seeks to balance regional interests.
However, Nigeria’s growing population has implications for environmental sustainability. Deforestation, waste management, and water scarcity are rising concerns, especially in highly populated and urban areas.
Infrastructure such as roads, housing, energy, and water supply must keep pace with the growing demand. The country has undertaken various projects to improve infrastructure, but more is needed to support a rapidly urbanising population.
The Nigerian government has recognised these challenges and opportunities and is working on policy strategies aimed at harnessing the demographic dividend – where a large young population can boost economic growth – while addressing resource needs and improving social services.
The UN report shed some light on Africa’s demographics as well. It stated: “With the highest rate of population growth, Africa is expected to account for more than half of the world’s population growth between 2015 and 2050.
“During this period, the populations of 28 African countries are projected to more than double, and by 2100, ten African countries are projected to have increased by at least a factor of five: Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.”
John Wilmoth, Director of the Population Division in the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs had said: “The concentration of population growth in the poorest countries presents its own set of challenges, making it more difficult to eradicate poverty and inequality, to combat hunger and malnutrition, and to expand educational enrolment and health systems, all of which are crucial to the success of the new sustainable development agenda.”
