Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has said Nigeria’s population has increased significantly since the administration of former President Shehu Shagari, without a corresponding expansion of the country’s productive economy.

Duke said the growth in population had placed additional pressure on Nigeria’s infrastructure, public services and available resources, while economic expansion had not kept pace with the needs of the growing population.

He argued that Nigeria must urgently focus on expanding productive sectors of the economy, creating jobs and improving infrastructure to ensure that population growth translates into greater economic opportunities.

According to him, the country cannot achieve sustainable development by relying largely on consumption, stressing the need to strengthen industries and other productive activities.

Duke also called for policies capable of encouraging investment, supporting businesses and improving the living standards of Nigerians, particularly young people entering the labour market.

He said Nigeria’s economic challenges require long-term planning and consistent implementation of policies that can increase productivity and create opportunities for the country’s growing population.