The National Population Commission (NPC) has called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to tackle Nigeria’s population challenges and harness the nation’s demographic potential.
This appeal was made by NPC chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, at the Interactive and Sensitisation Meeting on the Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS) held at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja.
Hon. Kwarra emphasised the significance of APLS, which has served as a critical platform for policymakers and stakeholders to deliberate on population and development issues since its establishment in 2012.
He pointed out that discussions within the forum have revealed critical demographic disparities in Nigeria, particularly in fertility rates and access to reproductive health services.
With Nigeria projected to become the third most populous country by 2050, Hon. Kwarra stressed the need for strategic planning to transform this demographic shift into an economic advantage.
He advocated for investments in education and skills development to empower the growing youth population and ensure their positive contribution to national progress.
Despite its impact, APLS has faced challenges such as inadequate funding and declining participation.
Hon. Kwarra urged policymakers, civil society organisations, and development partners to rally behind the initiative, ensuring its sustainability and effectiveness.
“This meeting is essential in raising awareness and mobilising support for our upcoming strategic planning session. By working together, we can strengthen the APLS platform and make it a more effective tool for addressing Nigeria’s pressing population challenges,” Kwarra stated.
The chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), Dr. Ejike Oji, reiterated the importance of the APLS in addressing family planning and population development concerns.
He called on stakeholders to actively support the initiative for sustainable population management.
The executive director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Dr Okai Abubakar Haruna Aku, highlighted the APLS as a pivotal policy-driven forum that stimulates high-level discussions on population growth and its impact on Nigeria’s economic sectors.
He warned that if left unchecked, the rapid population increase would strain national resources and hinder progress toward sustainable development goals.
The director of projects at the Development Research and Project Centre, Dr. Stanley Ukpai, called for heightened awareness about the APLS, revealing that many stakeholders were previously unaware of its role as NPC’s flagship programme.
He expressed appreciation for the meeting, which clarified the initiative’s purpose and opened discussions on potential funding support.
Additionally, Dr Anthony Nwala from the Society for Family Health (SFH) reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to back the APLS and its objectives.
In her remarks, the NPC federal commissioner representing Benue State, Barr Patricia Iyanya Kupchi, lauded Hon Kwarra for his steadfast leadership in advancing the APLS.
She urged all stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the Lecture Series’ continued success and sustainability.
The event witnessed active participation from federal commissioners, the director-general, and various directors of the NPC, setting the stage for enhanced partnerships to address Nigeria’s population challenges and drive national development.
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