Shettima: We’re determined to turn Nigeria’s growing population into economic dividends

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is determined to turn Nigeria’s growing population into economic dividends.

Shettima spoke on Friday at the opening of a two-day retreat for the leadership of the national assembly in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

The vice-president said by 2050, Nigeria would be the third most populous country in the world.

“One out of every four black men is a Nigerian. The trajectory of global growth is facing Africa and Nigeria will make or mar that transition,” NAN quoted Shettima as saying.

“By 2050, Nigeria will be the third most populous nation on earth.

“Our population will hit 440 million and by the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation on earth. And what are we going to do with the anticipated demographic bulge?

“This is a blessed nation. We can change the anticipated demographic bulge into demographic dividends.

“I believe with the quality of leadership we have, it will not turn into a democratic disaster that will consume all of us.”

Shettima added that Nigeria is the representative of the black man, saying ” this is the burden we all carry, if Nigeria fails, the black man has failed. Let us make Nigeria work”.