Abuja: The National Population Commission (NPC) has underscored the critical need for Nigeria to conduct a National Population and Housing Census, highlighting that credible and current data is vital for the nation’s development priorities.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Acting Chairman Muhammad Usman stressed this necessity in Abuja during the sixth commemoration of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25). The event, themed ‘The Future Can’t Wait: Advancing Rights and Choices for Current and Future Generations,’ emphasized the importance of safeguarding rights while promoting development and opportunities for all citizens.
Usman pointed out that Nigeria is at a ‘pivotal demographic moment,’ characterized by rapid population growth, a youthful demographic, and substantial deficits in health, education, and access to sustainable economic opportunities across the nation. He noted that nearly 70 percent of Nigerians are under 30 years old, presenting a significant demographic opportunity that could be harnessed through focused investments in education, well-being, and youth empowerment programs.
He also highlighted ongoing challenges such as maternal deaths, gender-based violence, and limited voluntary family planning services, which continue to impede national progress. Usman stressed that these issues required immediate and sustained policy and developmental responses.
The lack of updated population data, with the last census conducted 19 years ago, remains a significant obstacle to effective planning, resource allocation, and the delivery of essential public services. Usman emphasized that a national census is not merely a statistical exercise but forms the foundation for understanding the population’s needs and facilitating targeted development interventions.
Mr. Koessan Kuawu, UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria, underscored the urgency for action across multiple population and development priority areas, referencing the newly released ICPD30 report, ‘The Future Can’t Wait.’ He stressed the need for immediate interventions for women reliant on maternal healthcare, the youth shaping the nation’s future, and communities awaiting accurate population recognition and effective public service provision.
Dr. Salma Anas-Kolo, Special Adviser to the President on Health, highlighted the long-term benefits of Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments, which span health, education, economic development, poverty reduction, and overall national growth. She noted that persistent maternal deaths, low family planning uptake, and widespread gender-based violence continue to challenge progress, driven by sociocultural norms, security issues, and health system weaknesses.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Nigeria’s ICPD25 National Action Plan was officially launched during the event. This framework outlines how progress will be tracked, data collected and reported, and stakeholders coordinated to ensure the full implementation of Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments and the realization of the intended nationwide impact.