Editorial
Nigeria: Need For Accurate Population Data
This year’s World Population Day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of accurate population data in Nigeria. The theme for the year, “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights,” brings to light the pressing need for the nation to address the repercussions of overpopulation and safeguard the fundamental human rights of all its inhabitants. It emphasises the necessity of implementing effective strategies and initiatives to enhance sexual and reproductive health services and ensure equitable access to these vital resources.
Population experts stress that the exponential rise in global population poses substantial challenges to human well-being and the environment. As India is on track to surpass China as the most populous country, Nigeria’s population of approximately 226.2 million underscores its significant demographic influence. However, the lack of recent census data since 2006 has left the actual figures subject to speculation, hampering efficient planning and resource allocation efforts.
The disparities in population sizes between India and the United States underscore the shifting dynamics on the global stage. With India projected to exceed China’s population by 2027, its expanding demographic weight will undoubtedly influence economic, political, and social relations worldwide. As the world’s largest democracy, India’s swelling population presents both opportunities and challenges, such as driving economic growth and innovation while also straining resources and infrastructure.
Conversely, the United States, with a smaller global population share, may encounter distinct obstacles related to an ageing population and diminishing workforce. Understanding and addressing these demographic trends are essential for policymakers and leaders in both countries to navigate the intricate issues of the 21st century effectively.
The unchecked population growth in Nigeria has engendered an array of socio-economic challenges that are becoming increasingly difficult to overlook. Instances of extreme poverty, food insecurity, and environmental deterioration stand as stark indicators of the urgent need for intervention. With over 133 million Nigerians grappling with multidimensional poverty, it is evident that targeted interventions are imperative to alleviate the plight of the most vulnerable segments of society.
A study conducted by various organisations in 2022 has shed light on the harsh realities of poverty in Nigeria, with a staggering 133 million individuals affected. This comprehensive assessment not only considers income levels but also incorporates critical dimensions like education, healthcare, living standards, and economic stability. The findings underscore the pressing need for strategic interventions aimed at tackling the underlying causes of deprivation and uplifting the most marginalised populations.
The anticipated reverberations of ending petrol subsidies and merging the naira exchange rates in 2023 are expected to push an additional seven million Nigerians into poverty, underscoring the unintended adverse effects of economic policies on the most marginalised sectors of society. Given this scenario, it is obligatory for the Federal Government to collaborate with pertinent stakeholders to devise and implement a comprehensive population plan that addresses the root causes of overpopulation and poverty.
At the core of Nigeria’s population predicament lies a complex interplay of factors, including child marriages, limited educational access, misconceptions surrounding family planning, and cultural and religious norms hindering women’s reproductive health access. To counter these challenges effectively, concerted efforts must be concentrated on raising awareness about reproductive rights, advocating for girls’ education, and ensuring universal access to family planning services.
Empowering women with the necessary resources and information is high-priority in reducing unplanned pregnancies and child marriages, which are compelling obstacles to achieving a more equitable and sustainable population growth trajectory. This can be achieved through comprehensive education and accessible healthcare infrastructure, which not only alleviate poverty but also contribute to the overall well-being of the population.
Moreover, Nigeria should place a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and a shift towards renewable energy sources to counteract the adverse effects of overpopulation on the ecosystem. By embracing sustainable development practices, Nigeria can ensure a future where its population can flourish while preserving the health of the planet.
With the advent of a new era marked by the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the accurate collection, analysis, and utilisation of population data should become central to national policymaking. Only through precise data and a robust population plan can Nigeria effectively address disparities in sexual and reproductive health, empower its people, and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for generations to come.
Undeniably, Nigeria stands at a precarious juncture where obtaining accurate population data is imperative to tackle the multifaceted challenges associated with overpopulation. Prioritising the collection of precise demographic information, implementing targeted interventions, and fostering a culture of empowerment and sustainability, will pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Nigerians.
Workers in the Rivers State civil service have been eulogising Governor Siminalayi Fubara for delivering on his promise to implement a new minimum wage of N85,000, which was reflected in the salaries paid for November. This increase is N15,000 higher than the national minimum wage of N70,000. This represents not only an enhancement in the financial welfare of civil servants but also a recognition of their hard work and dedication to public service. The raise has been met with widespread jubilation among the workforce, who have long advocated for a better wage to cope with rising living costs and economic challenges.
As the news spread, offices filled with laughter and sigh of relief, as employees exchanged stories of how this financial boost would positively impact their families and dependants. The new minimum wage is not just a number; it symbolises the government’s commitment to improving the standards of living for civil servants and fostering a more equitable workforce. Many workers expressed their gratitude for the governor’s timely intervention, highlighting how important it is for public servants to feel valued and adequately renumerated.
Governor Fubara’s decision is expected to reinforce morale within the civil service, fostering greater productivity and dedication among employees who contribute significantly to the state’s development. With the new wage in place, there is a renewed sense of optimism among civil servants, who now feel more empowered to serve the government and the citizens with greater enthusiasm and commitment.
The Governor had declared an increase in salaries for state workers, emphasising that this adjustment is not only a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its employees but also a strategic move fueled by the state’s enhanced Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He assured workers that the financial backing for this increment is sustainable, stemming from the state’s focused efforts to bolster revenue through various initiatives, including tax reforms and enhanced efficiency in public service delivery.
Furthermore, the governor’s promise of funding the increment solely through increased IGR signifies a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. It reassures the people that the government is proactively managing resources while investing in their future. As the state continues to explore opportunities for revenue enhancement, Fubara’s administration remains focused on ensuring that these initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the workforce, ultimately fostering a more motivated and dedicated public sector.
The decision by Fubara to be the first in Nigeria to implement the new national minimum wage is a commendable step that reflects a proactive approach to governance and an understanding of the pressing needs of the workforce. In an economy where many families struggle to make ends meet, especially in the face of rising living costs, this enterprise will improve the quality of life for workers and also set a precedent for other states to follow.
In recognising the various drives and support provided by Fubara’s government, it is necessary that the workers reciprocate by embodying a spirit of productivity and commitment to the current administration’s goals. They should align their daily operations with the administration’s objectives to enhance effectiveness and foster an environment of collaboration and trust. This reciprocal relationship can lead to innovative solutions and efficient service delivery, ultimately benefiting the state and strengthening public trust in government institutions.
Surprisingly, despite the political challenges the government has been navigating, alongside the myriad of ambitious projects it is embarking on, it has managed to raise funds to implement a minimum wage of N85,000 This achievement reflects a commendable level of resilience and resourcefulness within the government’s fiscal strategies. In a nation often marred by economic volatility and political discord, finding a way to sustain and even elevate the livelihoods of its employees is no small feat.
Workers in the state have truly found themselves in a remarkably advantageous position under this administration, especially when compared to the previous regime. The immediate past government’s blatant refusal to implement the minimum wage of N30,000 left many employees disheartened and struggling to meet their basic needs. What was even more disconcerting was the absence of meaningful negotiations with labour representatives, leaving workers feeling unheard and undervalued. In contrast, the present administration has prioritised dialogue and engagement with labour unions, recognising the importance of fair wage for workers’ contributions to the state’s economy.
With the current government’s commitment to improving wages and working conditions, it is clear that a major shift has taken place. This renewed focus on the welfare of workers empowers them and instils a sense of hope and optimism for the future, as they can now look forward to a more equitable and supportive work environment. Ultimately, the ongoing trajectory suggests a promising era for labour relations in the state, one where workers are valued and their rights upheld.
Siminalayi Fubara has consistently demonstrated his dedication to workers’ welfare since taking office in May last year. Unlike his predecessor, who left many employees feeling overlooked and unsupported, Fubara wasted no time in addressing the longstanding stagnation of promotions that had plagued the workforce for eight years. He took further steps towards financial justice by initiating the long-overdue payment of gratuities that were neglected during the last administration.
Similarly, we urge the governor to take another step forward by reviewing the stipends received by pensioners. The current pension amounts have become woefully inadequate, leaving many of them who dedicated their lives to public service struggling to make ends meet. These dedicated individuals who have contributed to the development of our dear state now find themselves in a precarious financial situation, receiving stipends that are alarmingly low and insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The rising cost of living has rendered their pensions nearly meaningless. Therefore, a comprehensive reevaluation of these stipends is a required measure to ensure that those who have served our state with honour can live their remaining years with dignity and security.
