NPC calls for overhaul of population data systems to advance development

The National Population Commission (NPC) has urged a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s population data systems, warning that outdated demographic information is undermining the country’s ability to meet critical development and health goals, including commitments under the ICPD25 agenda.

Speaking in Abuja at the 6th anniversary of Nigeria’s ICPD+25 commitments, NPC Acting Chairman, Muhammad Dattijo, said, modern, credible, and comprehensive census is not merely a statistical exercise but the foundation for understanding who we are, where we live, and what our communities need.

The anniversary of Nairobi Summit Committment underscored the critical role of accurate population data in achieving Nigeria’s development goals.

Stakeholders agreed that modernized data systems, coupled with strengthened monitoring and evaluation frameworks, are essential to ensuring that national commitments translate into measurable progress for women, children, and young people.

While speaking further, Dattijo noted that Nigeria’s last census was conducted almost two decades ago, a gap that has complicated planning, resource allocation, and service delivery across health, education, and social sectors.

“Without accurate data, efforts to improve maternal health, expand family planning services, or address gender-based violence cannot be effectively targeted or scaled.”

“The NPC remains fully committed to delivering a digital, inclusive, and credible census that ensures every person in Nigeria is counted and visible in national development planning,” Kwarra said.

The event brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, international partners, and youth groups to assess Nigeria’s progress toward the ICPD25 goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices.

“With determination and strong partnerships, we can transform the vision of Cairo and Nairobi into reality, a Nigeria where every individual is counted, valued, protected, and empowered.” Dattijo said.

Representing the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Dr Sa’adatu Sule, a women’s health consultant, highlighted the ongoing challenges in maternal and reproductive health.

She said, “The high rates of maternal deaths and low uptake of family planning have far-reaching consequences, not only for mothers, but also for children and families. Similarly, gender-based violence remains widespread and survivors face challenges with their health, education, and livelihoods.”

Dr. Sule also stressed the government’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda, launched by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritizes maternal health, family planning, and protection of women and girls.

She outlined initiatives such as the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which provides free emergency caesarean sections for vulnerable women, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the RenewHER Initiative, and the CHIPS programme targeting maternal and child health.

On gender-based violence, she noted, “The government has strengthened frameworks to protect women and children, including enforcing the VAPP Act and developing the National Action Plan for Ending Violence Against Children, launched in May 2025. Education and empowerment of girls remain central strategies in this fight.”

Mr. Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative of UNFPA in Nigeria, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s ICPD25 commitments.

He said, “The recently released ICPD30 Report, titled ‘The Future Can’t Wait’, reminds us that the future cannot wait for women whose lives depend on quality maternal healthcare, for young people whose potential will shape Nigeria’s tomorrow, and for communities still waiting to be fully counted and served.”

Kuawu stressed six priority areas for action, including scaling up investment in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), strengthening population data systems, achieving universal SRH services, addressing gender-based violence, promoting gender-responsive climate solutions, and leveraging technology for inclusive development.

Representing young Nigerians, Oluwapelumi Divine Ogunmola called for immediate action, saying, “We the young, the resilient, the unbroken are not the future; we are the urgent now.

“And speaking of numbers, Nigeria needs a census. Not as an exercise in counting people, but in recognizing them. Every number is a life, and every life has worth.”

Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder-President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), also reiterated the need for accelerated action.

“Over the past six years, we have seen frontline health workers equipped with new tools, communities embracing safer childbirth practices, and families empowered to make informed reproductive choices.

“Yet as we approach ICPD30, we must recommit to faster, deeper, and more equitable action. No woman or girl must be left behind, regardless of geography, circumstance, or socio-economic status.”

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