NPC, NCWS STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION FOR ECRVS AND NEXT CENSUS

In a significant step toward enhancing grassroots mobilization for vital statistics, the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, received in audience the National President of National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Princess Edna Azura and her team, at the Commission's Headquarters in Abuja today, 19th June 2025.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the NPC and NCWS, particularly in grassroots mobilisation and raising awareness about the electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system, as well as the upcoming Population and Housing Census.

In his remarks, NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “We have a longstanding relationship with NCWS, and together, we can achieve our goals."

Highlighting the crucial role of women in this initiative, Hon. Kwarra noted that the NPC is partnering with UNICEF to enhance birth registration across Nigeria. He urged the NCWS to mobilize women in rural areas to ensure prompt registration of their children.

Addressing the delays in the upcoming census—postponed for nearly a decade—Hon. Kwarra reassured the delegation of President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting the census as soon as possible. He also mentioned that the Commission conducts national sample surveys to generate reliable data across various sectors, citing the ongoing Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey as an example.

Hon. Kwarra shared encouraging statistics from the recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), revealing a decline in Nigeria's Total Fertility Rate from 5.3% to 4.8% per woman. He stressed the importance of educating and empowering girls, noting that higher education leads to smaller family sizes.

The NPC Chairman pledged the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with the NCWS to enhance awareness and galvanize support for the NPC's activities.

In her address, National President of NCWS, Princess Azura commended the NPC for its achievements, particularly the digitalization of the e-CRVS system and the recent launch of the 2025 State of World Population (SWOP) Report in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

She reiterated that the NCWS serves as the voice of Nigerian women and expressed eagerness to deepen the partnership with the NPC to ensure every woman is counted in the upcoming census.

The meeting concluded with Hon. Kwarra expressing gratitude to Princess Azura and her team for their visit and paying tribute to the late Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, a former NCWS President, whose contributions continue to inspire the organization.