The Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Muhammad Dattijo Usman, has said that the absence of up-to-date population data has continued to affect planning, resource allocation, and the effective delivery of essential services in the country.

He noted that, considering the demographic realities, it has become more evident that Nigeria urgently needs modern, credible, and comprehensive census data.

Speaking at the commemoration of the sixth anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD+25 on Wednesday in Abuja, Usman noted that the last census was conducted almost two decades ago, adding that the commission remains fully committed to delivering a digital, inclusive, and credible census that ensures every person in Nigeria is counted and visible in national development planning.

He stated that Nigeria is at a pivotal demographic moment as the population continues to grow rapidly, shaped by a youthful population structure and gaps in access to health, education, and economic opportunities.

Usman said that nearly 70 percent of citizens are under the age of 30, representing one of the greatest demographic opportunities in the world if the government invests decisively in the well-being, education, and empowerment of young people.

Usman noted that young people must be at the forefront of shaping the policies that concern their future and women must have access to healthcare, education, and protections that allow them to live healthy, empowered lives.

He said, “We are also fully aware of the realities that persist in maternal health. Too many women continue to lose their lives to causes that can and should be prevented. Gender-based violence remains a painful reality for women and girls across many communities, and our women and girls still encounter obstacles in accessing voluntary family planning services. These challenges remind us that our commitments are not abstract ideals but urgent necessities.”

Usman noted that good planning alone is not enough for commitments to become measurable progress, stressing that there must be accountability, coordinated action, and reliable evidence.

He noted that the commission, with support from UNFPA, has also developed the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the National Action Plan on Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments, adding that this framework is not merely a technical tool but the accountability foundation for national efforts, which outlines how progress will be tracked, how data will be generated and reported, and how all stakeholders will work together to ensure that no promise remains unfulfilled.

He said, “Marginalised communities, those in remote areas, hard-to-reach populations, persons with disabilities, and people affected by humanitarian crises must not be left behind. Our country’s ability to achieve a demographic dividend depends entirely on how we invest in these populations today. Development must always be people-centred, rights-based, and grounded in evidence. We would work to ensure we build a nation where every woman survives childbirth, where every person can make informed choices about their health and family, and where every girl grows up free from violence and harmful practices.”

Usman highlighted the need for stakeholders to work together with the government united to build a Nigeria where every individual is counted, valued, protected, and empowered.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, emphasised the need to reflect on Nigeria’s progress on its ICPD25 commitments and chart a course to ensure that the laudable goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices are achieved.

She observed that the high rates of maternal deaths and low uptake of family planning have been an ongoing challenge in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences not only for mothers, but also for children and families.

The presidential aide lamented that gender-based violence is widespread across the country and survivors face challenges with their physical and mental health, social interactions, education, and livelihoods.

On his part, Deputy Representative/Officer-in-Charge, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Mr. Koessan Kuawu, noted that six years ago, Nigeria joined other nations across the world in reaffirming the spirit of ICPD to end unmet need for family planning, end preventable maternal deaths, and end gender-based violence and other harmful practices.

He stated that these commitments remain as urgent today as then, and perhaps even more so.

Kuawu observed that without a reliable and credible national census, we cannot fully plan or respond to the true needs of the people.

He commended the Federal Government and the NPC for the bold steps taken so far in strengthening maternal health, investing in data, advancing gender equality, and amplifying youth leadership. (The Guardian)

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