Yemisi Izuora
Dr Emeka Okwuosa, Managing Director Oilserv Nig Ltd has advised the Federal government to start putting measures in place to avert the projected Nigeria population explosion in 2050.
Okwuosa said this in Nsukka on Thursday while delivering the 48th University of Nigeria Nsukka convocation lecture titled “Infrastructural Development :A Key to Economic Growth and Development In Nigeria”.
He said that United Nations projection that if Nigeria population rates continued uncontrolled the country would be over 290 milion in 2050 should be a concern to everybody as it would put serious pressure on available Infrastructure .
“United Nations projects that if Nigeria continues In it’s present population growth it will be among four populous countries in the world with over 290million in 2050
“the issue of population growth if not controlled will hamper positive economic growth and put serious pressure on available infrastructure in the country in 2050.
“Government should arrest this looming and imminent disaster to save the country from this population explosion “he said
The MD attributed the country poor economy to shift from agriculture based economy to crude oil and gas in 1960 which made Nigeria to become a mono oil economy.
“Nigeria has performed abysmally low in terms of infrastructure development essential for rapid good economic growth.
“it is imperative that economic growth and development of Nigeria be accelerated and facilitated by the provision of quality infrastructure framework that will contribute to improving the quality of life ,” said.
The oil magnet pointed out that a good infrastructure would make Nigeria an attractive destination for private sector investment,
“Poor infrastructure is heavily responsible for the challenges the economy faces. making the global indices like the Global competitiveness Index and the World Bank ranking of Nigeria to be very low
‘ improved access to inexpensive electricity to all Nigerians, diversified energy efficiency through the use of other mixes like renewable energy, elimination of sabotage and security of
gas and power infrastructure among other things will help boost the nations economy.
“To restore economic growth, we must focus on achieving macroeconomic stability and economic diversification with stable and affordable electricity,” he said.
Okwuosa expressed appreciation to UNN management for finding him worthy to deliver the university 48th convocation lecture .
In a remark, the Vice Chancellor of the university Prof. Benjamin Ozumba said that the convocation lecture is one of the highest in a week-long convocation ceremonies and the most celebrated of public lectures organized by UNN.
“The privilege of delivering the convocation lecture of the University is reserved for men and women of great accomplishments whose achievements and reputation will motivate our graduands and the entire university community to greater achievement.
“Without doubt, our 48 convocation lecturer, Okwuosa, the Group Managing Director and chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Limited meets these this criteria.” he said.
The lecture attracted people from different walks of life