Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigerian former President says unchecked population increase, risks worsening insecurity, warns that it may eclipse Boko Haram’s threat.
Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that the country’s rapidly growing population, if left unchecked, could create crises more severe than the decade-long insurgency waged by Boko Haram.
Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Bakhita ICT Centre at the Catholic Secretariat in Sokoto, Obasanjo cautioned that population growth must be matched with adequate planning and resources. Failure to do so, he argued, could turn Nigeria’s demographic advantage into a source of instability.
“Nigeria’s population is growing at a rate that, if not managed properly, could make the Boko Haram insurgency look like child’s play,” Obasanjo said. “We must act decisively to ensure that what should be a blessing does not become a curse.”
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with more than 220 million people, according to United Nations estimates. The figure is projected to double by 2050, making it the third most populous nation in the world after India and China. While the country’s youthful population is often described as a potential driver of economic growth, concerns remain about unemployment, poverty, and overstretched infrastructure.
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Obasanjo stressed that policymakers must take urgent steps to balance population growth with socio-economic development. He urged leaders at both federal and state levels to prioritize education, healthcare, and family planning initiatives to ease pressure on already limited resources.
“An uncontrolled population puts immense strain on food security, housing, education, and jobs. Without addressing these, we risk instability that will go beyond what Boko Haram has done,” he added.
The former president’s comments came amid growing debate about Nigeria’s capacity to provide basic services for its citizens. The country faces high inflation, widespread insecurity, and a struggling healthcare system. Experts warn that without long-term planning, the surge in population could further deepen inequality and unrest.
Boko Haram, an Islamist extremist group, launched its insurgency in 2009 in northeastern Nigeria. The conflict has killed more than 35,000 people and displaced over two million, according to the United Nations. Though the group has weakened in recent years, sporadic attacks continue, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin.
Obasanjo, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, has remained an influential voice in national affairs. His warning reflects mounting anxiety over how Africa’s most populous country will manage its future growth and avoid social upheaval.
