MARCHING FORWARD: NIGERIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS AT 30TH ICPD ANNIVERSARY

Today, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, dignitaries gathered to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), underscoring the theme, "The March Continues: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All."

The event organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners also marked the 5th anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD@25.

The occasion drew key figures, including top government officials, diplomats, development partners, Civil Society Organization leaders and representatives from national and international organizations.

In his speech, the Chairman of NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra highlighted Nigeria's progress over the past three decades while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

Hon. Kwarra emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health as essential to national prosperity, noting significant government investments aimed at expanding access to maternal and child health services. Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) also featured prominently, with policies and support systems developed to protect and empower women and girls.

Despite these advancements, NPC Chairman pointed out a critical setback: the ongoing delay in conducting a Population and Housing Census, which hampers effective policy-making and resource allocation, particularly in underserved areas.

He urged a collective effort among government bodies, civil society, and international partners to ensure that sexual and reproductive health rights are accessible to all, framing this as a matter of social and economic justice.

In conclusion, Hon. Kwarra reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the ICPD goals, calling for ongoing collaboration to create an equitable future where every individual can make informed choices about their health and lives. The march for sexual and reproductive health and rights continues, driven by unity and resilience.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mr. Mike Imafidon, advocated for policies that uplift women and empower communities, noting that only together we can build a future where every woman can realize her full potential. She stressed the need to engage men and boys as allies in this endeavour, fostering a culture of respect and equality, while emphasizing that gender-based violence remains a critical issue that we must address collectively, ensuring safe spaces for all women and girls.

‘Women's health, education, and economic participation are still hindered by systemic barriers and inequalities. It is our duty to ensure that every woman has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive,’ she concluded.

Amb. Adam Bako, representing the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the importance of international collaboration in achieving the goals set forth in the ICPD programme of Action.

In her address, Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs Toyin Saraki reflected on progress since the ICPD in 1994.

She pointed out that while global maternal mortality rates have decreased, Nigeria's progress has been slower, with one in 22 Nigerian women still at risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes.

Saraki reiterated her organization's commitment to achieving "Zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence."

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas-Kolo highlighted the government's efforts to strengthen universal health coverage, particularly for women, girls, and vulnerable groups.

She acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as low family planning adoption rates and gaps in emergency obstetric care.

UNFPA Officer-in-Charge Mr. Koessan Kuawu called for sustained investment in health systems, youth engagement, and stronger multi-sectoral partnerships. “The march continues, and so must our collective efforts,” he said, urging stakeholders to accelerate progress on reproductive health and gender equity.

Other speakers highlighted the need for inclusive policies that ensure the rights and needs of all individuals, especially marginalized groups are met.

The event served as a platform to assess three decades of progress, reaffirm commitments, and map out strategies to address challenges in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.