Abuja, Nigeria - Predicting that the Nigerian population would hit 166 million by 31 October, 2011, the Chairman of the Nigerian National Population Commission (NPC), Samu’ila Danko Makama, Monday said Nigeria's share of the world population of seven billion, would be 2.4 per cent during the period. Makama also said that the population of Nigeria grew at about five million per annum, out of the world total annual population growth of 78 million. Makama, who spoke Monday at an event to mark the 2011 World Population Day, said that the increase in Nigeria’s population from 140 million was occasioned by the current annual exponential growth rate of 3.2 percent, postulated from the 2006 census.

He disclosed that the Commission had already proposed 2016 for another round of census, a date that is in line with the United Nations Convention.

While the Federal Government is yet to approve the 2016 census date, Makama stated that his commission had already solicited the support of the US for the envisaged exercise.

The day was celebrated in Nigeria with the themes “Approaching a World of Seven billion - seven billion People Counting on Each Other” and “Nigeria Population Growth: Implications for sustainable Development.”

While allaying fears of the adverse effects of population growth, the NPC boss explained that the increase signified a positive development.

According to Makama, “people are now relatively living longer with growing awareness on the benefits of having fewer children with many people vulnerable to food insecurity, shortages in water, power, energy and weather-related disasters.

“A cursory look at the data on our population growth rate of 3.2 percent creates some fear of the consequences of rapid population increase. The challenge, however, is for government, civil society organizations and individuals to use data provided for informed policies relative to the population of Nigeria.”

Pana 12/07/2011