The National Population Commission (NPC) has stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for a National Population and Housing Census, noting that credible and up-to-date data is crucial for achieving the country’s development priorities.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Muhammad Usman, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja at the sixth commemoration of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25), themed “The Future Can’t Wait: Advancing Rights and Choices for Current and Future Generations.”
Usman described Nigeria as being at a “pivotal demographic moment,” marked by rapid population growth, a youthful population, and persistent gaps in health, education, and access to sustainable economic opportunities.
“Nearly 70 per cent of Nigerians are under 30 years old, offering one of the greatest demographic opportunities globally, but only if investments focus decisively on education, well-being, and youth empowerment,” he said.
He noted that maternal deaths, gender-based violence, and limited voluntary family planning services continued to impede national progress, demanding urgent policy and programmatic responses.
Usman warned that the absence of updated population data—19 years since the last census—was hindering effective planning, resource allocation, and delivery of essential public services.
“A national census is not simply a statistical exercise; it forms the foundation for understanding our population, where citizens live, and the critical needs of communities for targeted interventions,” he said.
“Without accurate population data, initiatives to improve maternal health, expand family planning, or combat gender-based violence cannot be effectively directed.”
He reaffirmed that the NPC was prepared to conduct a digital, inclusive, and credible census to provide accurate data for national development and policymaking.
Usman also highlighted progress in developing Nigeria’s National Action Plan for implementing ICPD25 commitments, alongside a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to ensure accountability.
UNFPA Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Mr Koessan Kuawu, emphasized the findings of the newly released ICPD30 report, “The Future Can’t Wait,” which outlines priority areas requiring urgent action, including sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, technology-driven development, and strengthened population data systems.
He stressed that without a credible national census, policymakers cannot adequately identify or respond to the needs of citizens.
Kuawu added that UNFPA supports Nigeria’s Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for ICPD25, which provides a roadmap for tracking progress and ensuring measurable outcomes for women, girls, and young people.
Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Anas-Kolo, said Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments cut across health, education, economic development, and poverty reduction. Represented by Dr Sa’adatu Sule, she noted ongoing challenges such as persistent maternal deaths, low family planning uptake, and widespread GBV—exacerbated by sociocultural norms, insecurity, equipment shortages, manpower deficits, and weak data systems.
She highlighted government initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including MAMII, BHCPF, RenewHER, the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, and a basket fund for family planning commodities.
“The government is prioritizing girls’ education and women’s empowerment as key strategies for ending gender-based violence,” she said, adding that efforts are underway to strengthen the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to better coordinate the national response.
The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Nigeria’s ICPD25 National Action Plan was officially launched at the event to guide progress tracking, data reporting, and stakeholder coordination in implementing the country’s commitments.
