The Acting Chairman of Nigeria's National Population Commission (NPC), Muhammad Dattijo Usman, has raised serious concerns about how outdated population data continues to undermine effective planning and resource distribution across the country.
Critical Need for Modern Census Data
Speaking during the sixth anniversary commemoration of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD+25 in Abuja, Usman emphasized that Nigeria last conducted a population census nearly two decades ago, creating significant gaps in demographic information. He stressed that the country urgently requires modern, credible, and comprehensive census data to address current demographic realities.
The NPC chairman revealed that Nigeria stands at a crucial demographic turning point, characterized by rapid population growth and a predominantly youthful population structure. He noted that approximately 70 percent of Nigerians are under 30 years old, representing what could become one of the world's greatest demographic opportunities if properly harnessed.
Youth Investment and Healthcare Challenges
Usman highlighted the critical need for substantial government investment in young people's wellbeing, education, and empowerment. He insisted that young Nigerians must actively participate in shaping policies that affect their future, while women require better access to healthcare, education, and protective measures to lead healthy, empowered lives.
The NPC chairman expressed deep concern about persistent maternal health challenges, noting that too many women continue to die from preventable causes during childbirth. He also addressed the widespread problem of gender-based violence and the ongoing obstacles women and girls face in accessing voluntary family planning services across many communities.
Framework for Accountability and Progress
Usman explained that good planning alone cannot transform commitments into measurable progress without proper accountability mechanisms, coordinated action, and reliable evidence. He announced that the commission has developed a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the National Action Plan on Nigeria's ICPD25 commitments, supported by UNFPA.
This framework serves as an accountability foundation for national efforts, outlining how progress will be tracked, data generated and reported, and how stakeholders will collaborate to ensure promises are fulfilled. Usman emphasized that marginalized communities must not be left behind, including those in remote areas, hard-to-reach populations, persons with disabilities, and people affected by humanitarian crises.
The presidential adviser on health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, echoed these concerns during her presentation. She stressed the importance of reflecting on Nigeria's progress toward its ICPD25 commitments and working toward achieving zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices.
Mr. Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Nigeria, commended the Federal Government and NPC for their efforts in strengthening maternal health, investing in data systems, advancing gender equality, and promoting youth leadership. However, he emphasized that without reliable and credible national census data, Nigeria cannot adequately plan or respond to its people's true needs.
