Is population growth to blame for Nigeria’s woes?

There are speculations in some circles that population growth is increasing pressure on the land which is a major trigger of violence in the country.

President Jonathan said legislation and policies aimed at controlling the number of births might be considered in future.

He said he had asked the National Population Commission to inform people about birth control before taking the issue further.
The president acknowledged that the issue was a sensitive one, saying: "We are extremely religious people... It is a very sensitive thing."

Mr. Jonathan was quoted as saying: "Both Christians and Muslims, and even traditionalist and all the other religions, believe that children are God's gifts to man.

"So it is difficult for you to tell any Nigerian to number their children because... it is not expected to reject God's gifts."