Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has warned that the high birth rate in northern Nigeria is a ticking "time bomb" that requires immediate attention.

The 19 northern governors are set to begin talks on the issue, acknowledging the dire consequences of unchecked population growth.

"We don't have an option. At this point, we must take the bull by the horns," Muftwang emphasized on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily.

The governor highlighted the lack of infrastructure for human capital development, which he believes could exacerbate banditry and terrorism in the region. 

He also criticized the elite for abandoning the young population, leaving them vulnerable to criminal indoctrination.

Muftwang stressed the importance of parental responsibility, saying, "We must ensure that parents take responsibility for the children they bring into the world."

He also called for the inclusion of religious leaders in addressing these issues, stating, "We must ensure that religion does not become a setback to society."

The northern governors' initiative aims to address the region's high birth rate and its associated challenges. 

With the population projected to continue growing, the need for sustainable solutions has become increasingly urgent.

As Muftwang noted, "We cannot afford to wait; the time to act is now."