By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has said that the population of the state could hit 10.7 million by 2030 if unchecked, commissioner for economic development Barr Ekong Sampson has said.
This is even as the state population has witnessed more than a 100% increase from three million in 2006 to six million in 2018
Sampson disclosed last weekend in Uyo at the official Launch of the “Akwa Ibom State Demographic Dividend Profile”, a compendium of the State’s demographic data, published by his Ministry.
According to Ekong, “the current population estimate has grown drastically from 3,902,051 in 2006 to the current estimate of about 6m, with a projection to reach 7.3 million in 2025 and 10.7 million in 2030 and if not checked, would double itself in 2039.”
The Commissioner who attributed the state’s population explosion to peace, security and industrialization drive of Governor Udom Emmanuel however warned of the adverse effect if the increment is not matched with commensurate increase in food production capacity and economic development.
He however expressed confidence that the present food and economic policies of the state government indigenes and residents need not entertain fear over the increase as strategies have been put in place to ensure good sufficiency and increased economic activities that would generate more employment opportunities and increased sources of income for households.
Ekong however advised parents to exercise restraint in the number of children they have even as the cost of raising and offering qualitative education to children continue to rise.
