By: Femi Mustapha
Recent data reveals that the population of Kaduna State has reached 11 million, with projections indicating it could reach 12.9 million by 2030. This rapid growth is primarily driven by a youthful demographic, with 83.8% of residents under the age of 40, which amounts to over 9.2 million people. However, this surge in population presents significant challenges, as only 48% of the residents are of working age (15-64 years), leaving 52% as dependents, primarily children.
The state’s economic indicators raise concerns, with approximately 8.04 million residents living in multidimensional poverty. Additionally, the unemployment and underemployment rates stand at 44% and 22%, respectively. To tackle these issues, the state government has developed a Demographic Dividend Roadmap (2024) that focuses on governance, economic empowerment, education, health, and security.
This roadmap is structured around five pillars, which include 26 investment areas and 110 key activities. However, the implementation of these plans has proven to be challenging due to the absence of a formal coordination mechanism.
Yusuf Ishaku Goje, a civil society actor and policy analyst, urges the establishment of the proposed coordination structures. He warns that without dedicated funding, proper monitoring, and accountability, Kaduna risks missing the opportunity to capitalize on its demographic advantage and achieve sustainable growth.
Goje highlighted that the demographic surge leads to a significant dependency burden; while 48% of residents are of working age, 52% are dependents, predominantly children aged 0-14. He pointed out that data shows those aged 0-17 account for 53.5% of the population, with children under five representing 16.5%. This situation places immense pressure on education, health, and social services.
He commended the state government for developing the updated Demographic Dividend Roadmap (2024), which aims to convert the youth bulge into an economic asset. The roadmap focuses on five areas: governance, economic empowerment, education and skills development, health and well-being, and security, equity, and justice.
However, Goje emphasized the need for an effective tracking system for the implementation process, which should ideally be coordinated from the Office of the Deputy Governor. He stressed the urgent need to establish the proposed coordination structures to ensure dedicated funding, monitoring, and accountability.
Stakeholders have reinforced the necessity for sustained investment in the youth population to unlock the state’s demographic dividend and secure its economic future.
They argue that Kaduna’s youthful population could either become a driving force for prosperity or a source of deeper economic challenges, depending on the commitment demonstrated by policymakers.
