NPC ORGANISES FIRST ANNUAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE TO ADDRESS POPULATION DYNAMICS, SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND EDUCATION CRISIS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

The inaugural North Central Regional Conference on Population Dynamics, Security, Climate Change, Out-of-School Children and Vulnerable Children (Almajiri, Children in Lumbering and Mining etc) took place from 26th to 27th November 2024 at the Ta’al Conference Hotel, Lafia in Nasarawa State. This landmark event, organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the Nasarawa State government gathered key stakeholders to address pressing regional challenges.

The conference featured high-profile keynote speakers, panelists, and experts from various fields. The event also facilitated sessions connecting youth and women leaders with opportunities and potential partners, as well as exhibition booths showcasing innovative projects, products, and services from across the region.

In his opening address, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra emphasized the necessity of evidence-based discourse on socio-demographic conditions. “The NPC, tasked with generating data for national development, aims to foster collaboration among governors, traditional leaders, experts, and development partners,” he stated.

“The conference provides a vital forum for discussing the multidimensional challenges facing North Central Nigeria,” Kwarra stated. He highlighted the importance of developing actionable strategies to tackle issues like insecurity, climate change, and the Almajiri education system.

Hon. Kwarra disclosed that the key conference themes include: The Almajiri System: Socio-economic Implication and Solutions; North Central Regional Security: Causes, Effects and Solutions to Insecurity in North Central Nigeria; Food Security and Agricultural Resilience in North Central Nigeria; Population Dynamics, Demographic Dividends and Challenges in North Central Nigeria; and Climate Change Vulnerability and Impact in North Central Nigeria: Developing Strategies for Adaptation and Resilience.

Kwarra noted that Nigeria's youth, comprising 70% of the population, are both an asset and a potential liability. He called for increased investment in education, health, and entrepreneurship to harness this demographic dividend.

The conference aims to produce actionable policy recommendations and foster a collaborative approach to sustainable development in the region. NPC Chairman expressed optimism that the discussions would yield valuable insights and solutions to the challenges faced by North Central Nigeria.

In his keynote speech, His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State praised the initiative and underscored the importance of the conference in addressing unique regional challenges. He referenced the aftermath of the “End Bad Governance Protest” in August 2024, which highlighted the urgent need for dialogue and solutions for vulnerable populations, particularly the Almajiri and out-of-school children.

Governor Sule pointed out that Nasarawa State, rich in mineral resources and agricultural potential, is increasingly affected by climate change, leading to an influx of people and a rise in out-of-school children. He noted that this population growth has heightened security concerns, as many of these children are vulnerable to exploitation.

To combat these challenges, the Nasarawa State Government has initiated several programs, including the repatriation of Almajiri children to their families and the implementation of the Child Rights Law to ensure their protection. The governor also announced ongoing efforts to enhance community policing and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable peace and development.

The conference seeks to generate actionable insights through geospatial data and demographic surveys to guide policy development, improving health and educational outcomes in the region. Governor Sule expressed hope that the resolutions from this conference would lead to effective strategies for addressing the crises of out-of-school children and climate change impacts.

In his concluding remarks, he urged participants to engage actively in discussions that will shape the future of their communities. “Together, we can create a roadmap to address the pressing issues of our time,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of collaborative efforts in building a better society for all.

Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education (NCAOOSCE), called on participants to commit to collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to overcome educational barriers. He highlighted the critical role of government, NGOs, and communities in supporting educational initiatives.

Prof. Rhoda Mundi, representing the President of the Population Association of Nigeria (PAN), Prof. Enang Ebingha, stressed that stakeholder commitment to tackling population-related issues is vital for fostering a secure and prosperous environment. She advocated for policies that not only address immediate security threats but also promote long-term stability through education and community engagement.

Regarding climate change, Prof. Mundi emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience into population policies to create sustainable solutions that protect the environment and ensure the well-being of future generations. She also called for inclusive educational policies that cater to all children, advocating for initiatives that provide alternative education pathways and vocational training to empower vulnerable children.

Other speakers offered additional recommendations to address the thematic challenges facing the North Central region.

The National Population Commission plans to replicate this conference in other geopolitical zones, aiming to extend its impact across Nigeria.