The Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Muhammad Dattijo Usman, has raised concerns that Nigeria’s outdated population figures are significantly hindering national planning, resource allocation, and the effective delivery of essential services.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the commemoration of the sixth anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD+25, Usman stressed that Nigeria urgently needs a modern, credible census to address its rapidly changing demographic realities.
He noted that the last national census was conducted nearly 20 years ago, leaving policymakers to rely on estimates rather than accurate data.
Usman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering a digital and inclusive census that captures every individual living in the country.
According to him, Nigeria is at a critical demographic crossroads, driven by a youthful population and persistent gaps in healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
With nearly 70% of Nigerians under the age of 30, he said the country stands to benefit immensely, if the government prioritises investments in youth empowerment.
He added that women must have access to quality healthcare, education, and protection from gender-based violence to fully contribute to national development.
“Too many women continue to die from preventable causes,” he said.
“Gender-based violence persists, and many still struggle to access voluntary family planning services. These are not abstract goals; they are urgent necessities.”
Usman emphasised that planning must be backed by accountability, coordinated action, and reliable evidence.
He disclosed that the NPC, with support from UNFPA, has developed a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the National Action Plan on Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments, describing it as the accountability backbone for tracking progress.
He stressed that marginalised populations, including those in rural areas, people with disabilities, and communities impacted by crises, must not be excluded from development efforts.
“Our ability to achieve a demographic dividend depends entirely on how we invest in these populations today,” he said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, called for renewed commitment toward achieving Nigeria’s ICPD25 goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence.
She noted that the country’s persistently high maternal mortality rates and low uptake of family planning have far-reaching consequences for families and communities. Gender-based violence, she added, remains pervasive, leaving survivors with long-term physical, emotional, and socioeconomic scars.
Deputy Representative and Officer-in-Charge of UNFPA Nigeria, Mr. Koessan Kuawu, lauded Nigeria for reaffirming its ICPD commitments six years ago but warned that the urgency remains unchanged.
He stressed that without a credible national census, the country cannot effectively plan or respond to the needs of its people.
Kuawu commended the Federal Government and the NPC for steps taken to strengthen maternal health, deepen data investment, and promote gender equality and youth participation.
