President Buhari blames overpopulation for communal crisis in Nigeria ~ Sportty

President Buhari blames overpopulation for communal crisis in Nigeria

The Presidency said the limited availability of land prompted both parties to adopt all means to meet their need.

President Buhari hinted Nigeria's growing population as a major cause of crisis between herders and farmers. He stated that each party is clamouring for more land.

According to Reuters, the Presidency said the limited availability of land prompted both parties to adopt all means to meet their need.

“President Buhari holds the view, as do many experts, that these conflicts are more often than not, as a result of major demographic changes in Nigeria,” said the presidency in an emailed statement.

“Nigeria’s population was around 63 million when the West African country gained independence in 1960, compared with a population now “estimated at close to 200 million”.

“While the land size has not changed and will not change, urban sprawl and development have simply reduced land area both for peasant farming and cattle grazing.”