NPC CHAIRMAN VISITS SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT ON SDGs, CALLS FOR NCPM MEETING

The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, today, 24th June 2025, stressed the urgent need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a meeting of the National Council on Population Management (NCPM) to tackle pressing population management and development issues in Nigeria.

NPC Chairman stated this when he led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, at her office in Abuja. The delegation comprises Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, the President Emeritus and Co-founder of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH); Dr. Ejike Oji, the Chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP); Ms. Margaret Edison, former NPC Director of the Population Management and Development Department; and others.

Hon. Kwarra highlighted the alarming statistics affecting the nation: a rapidly rising population, high maternal mortality rates, a significant number of out-of-school children, escalating unemployment, and increasing insecurity, hence the urgent need for the NCPM meeting to address these challenges. He expressed concern that the NCPM has not convened since its establishment in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

"Given these critical challenges, it is imperative that we leverage current census data for evidence-based planning and policymaking," Hon. Kwarra stated. He reassured that President Tinubu is committed to conducting an upcoming census, which will be biometric-based to ensure accurate and reliable data. He also revealed that Presidential Committee on the upcoming Census would soon submit its report to the President.

Hon. Kwarra urged Princess Orelope-Adefulire to advocate for the convening of the NCPM meeting, emphasizing her influential role as a key stakeholder and member of NCPM.

The NCPM, chaired by the President of Nigeria and including a diverse range of high-ranking officials, is Nigeria's highest policymaking body for implementing the National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development. Its discussions are crucial for shaping effective policies that impact millions of Nigerians.

In her response, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Orelope-Adefulire underscored the significance of accurate census data for national planning and the achievement of SDGs. "Without reliable data, we cannot plan effectively or achieve meaningful development," she warned, recalling her involvement in the 2006 Census and noting the detrimental effects of prolonged delay in conducting another census.

She pledged her support to ensure that Mr. President convenes the NCPM meeting to facilitate robust discussion aimed at formulating effective policies to tackle the population and development issues in Nigeria.

Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, President Emeritus of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), emphasized the need for Nigeria to moderate its population growth to emulate the successful development of Asian tigers. He cautioned that without effective population management, Nigeria may not achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the same way it failed to meet MDGs. He stated that the NCPM meeting is crucial to discuss population issues and urgent need for accurate census data.

Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Association for Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), highlighted Nigeria's high youth population, emigration rates, and rising insecurity as indicators of a looming population crisis. "We need a robust conversation through the NCPM to address these issues," he urged.

As Nigeria grapples with these critical challenges, the call for an NCPM meeting underscores the urgent need for concerted action to manage population dynamics effectively and secure a sustainable future for the nation.