(DDM) – Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has stirred fresh reactions online after joking about a new United Nations projection that Nigeria’s population could skyrocket to over 546 million by the year 2100.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the outspoken senator made the remark on his official X handle (formerly Twitter), where he humorously wrote, “We are gone by then.”
The short post, though lighthearted, immediately triggered a wave of online discussions about Nigeria’s demographic future, leadership planning, and the long-term consequences of unchecked population growth.
Many social media users echoed Sani’s sentiment, noting that the country’s present generation of leaders will not be alive to witness such a massive population explosion.
Others, however, argued that dismissing the projection with humor reflects the deep-rooted attitude of political elites who often overlook long-term national issues in favor of immediate political interests.
The viral post comes amid ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s rapid population expansion and its potential impact on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment in the coming decades.
According to recent UN data, Nigeria currently has an estimated population of about 230 million, making it the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous in the world.
Demographers predict that if current birth rates and fertility trends continue, Nigeria could overtake the United States by 2050 to become the world’s third most populous nation, behind India and China.
Experts warn that such growth, if unmanaged, could place immense pressure on the country’s fragile economy, exacerbate poverty levels, and deepen regional inequalities.
Sani’s humorous comment, while seemingly casual, has therefore become a window into a larger national conversation about leadership foresight, sustainable development, and demographic planning.
Analysts who spoke to DDM emphasized that population growth is not inherently negative, but its benefits depend on governance capacity, social infrastructure, and policy direction.
They added that without significant investments in education, healthcare, job creation, and urban planning, Nigeria’s population boom could become a demographic crisis rather than an opportunity.
Sani, known for his satirical takes on national issues, often uses social media to blend humor with political critique.
His latest comment once again highlights how simple online posts can expose deeper national anxieties about governance, leadership succession, and the fate of future generations.
The conversation around his post continues to trend, with many Nigerians demanding clearer population management strategies and accountability from political leaders.
Observers say the senator’s statement may have been intended as a joke, but it has opened a serious debate on whether Nigeria is adequately preparing for a future that might arrive sooner than expected.
By turning a viral joke into a public reflection point, Sani has reminded Nigerians that the future, whether 2100 or 2050, will depend on the decisions made today.