A member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, Babatunde Gabriel Kolawole on Tuesday, November 24, moved for the motion titled "Need for the federal government to curb population explosion in Nigeria." Kolawole in his arguement urged the Federal Government to come up with a policy to check the alarming rate of population growth and to educate Nigerians on the importance of family planning through the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
The Lawmaker based his arguement on a recent report by a United States Population Reference Bureau which projected that Nigeria's population will increase to 433 million in 2050. However, the motion was strongly objected by some members of the House from the north who said it was a direct attack on Islam. In particular, Sani Abdul, from Bauchi State noted that the motion was unnecessary and a waste of time.
In his arguement, Abdul suggested that Nigeria's resource and landmass can carter for any population explosion. Zakare Mohammed in his contribution pointed out that though he was not against the motion, he advised that the country’s culture must be preserved. Adam Jagaba argues that the motion is within the ambit of the constitution and did not contravene any part of the House’s rule.
Speaker Yakubu Dogara intervened and advised members to be guided by national interest. "I don't think there is an attack on any religion," Dogara said. "The motion is looking at a policy on population in ensuring planning. It is calling for the development of a policy on population. So i don't see how it attacks any religion" he added.
The controversial motion was later referred to the House Committes on Justice, Population, Rules and Business for further legislative contribution.
