2022 budget: Population commission worries over omission of family planning funding

The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPopC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, on Wednesday, raised concerns over the omission of specific funding for family planning in the proposed 2022 budget and the threat of population explosion in Nigeria.

He said there was a need for urgent action towards this, to forestall the likely setbacks that may derail progress towards significant demographic transition, prospects for population management among others.

He spoke while delivering his welcome address at the 2nd anniversary of the Nairobi Summit Theme-“No Exceptions, No Exclusions” held in Abuja.

According to him, the event would give an opportunity to track progress made in terms of access to sexual reproductive health.

His words: “Our being here today and thereafter, affords us the opportunity to track progress, report on gains made, identify gaps with regards to programming, interventions, financing and actions to ensure undisrupted access to sexual and reproductive health Information, counselling and services for all women and adolescents including expanding access to family planning (particularly for populations in crisis and those caught In conflict situations); as well as measure the extent at engaging young people In conversations/decision that affects their lives and securing quality, robust and disaggregated data.”

In her speech, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative, Ms Ulla Muella, said the Nairobi summit which was co-convened in 2019 brought together about 145 governments and member states including Nigeria to build consensus and strengthen partnerships to further advance the implementation of the ICPD 25+2 Programme of Action.

She noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taken a staggering toll on the provision of health services particularly sexual and reproductive health services, consequently impacting women and girls’ well-being globally.

“The pandemic’s compelling economic impacts have been felt mostly by women and girls, who generally earn less, hold less secure jobs, and face a greater risk of losing their livelihoods or descending into poverty. In essence, it has had a profound impact on the capability of women and girls to contribute their quota to development and to claim and exercise their sexual and reproductive rights,” she added.

Muella further stressed that for the country to achieve the 2030 sustainable development agenda of leaving no one behind, women and girls need to have full control over their bodies and lives without any fear of repercussion or violence.

“Denying them of this right impedes he bold right—based vision of full equality for women and girls, and of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all,” she stressed.

However, commended the Federal Government and all partners for the progress made so far but stressed; “we have an unfinished business in pursuing rights and choices for all. Now is the time to act to ensure that every woman and young person is able to exercise her reproductive health and rights.”

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2022 budget: Population commission worries over omission of family planning funding