Reps task FG to prepare action plan on Population census

The House of Representatives on Thursday called on National Population Commission (NPC) to prepare an action plan for a population census and forward it to the National Assembly for legislative action.

The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Majority Deputy Chief Whip, which centered on the need to address challenges faced by Nigerian women like gender inequality, high maternal mortality, economic exclusion, gender discrimination/abuse, and displacement.

She also called on Federal Government to urgently carry out a fresh population census in order to distill the demographic and living conditions of women in Nigeria.

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According to her, “since 1989, 11th July has been designated annually to commemorate the World Population Day. The House also notes that the World Population Day focuses attention on Population issues like family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, infant mortality, human rights, immigration and education of women

“The House recalls that the 1994 international conference on Population and Development identified reproductive health and gender equality as key issues for attaining sustainable development

“The House is concerned that this year’s World Population Day calls for global attention on the unfinished business of the 1994 international conference

“Twenty five years after this landmark Conference, which was well attended by over 20,000 delegates from about 179 nations, United Nations (UN) agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations and the Media, Nigeria still lags behind in issues affecting women like economic exclusion, high maternal/infant mortality rate, gender inequality and recently the plight of women in internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps

“With the rise in insurgency, sectarian crisis and killings in event years in Nigeria, the plight of women has worsened with more widows and orphaned children, especially the girl-child.

“The House observes the need for Nigeria to urgently carry out another population census in order to distill the demographic and living conditions of women in Nigeria

“The House is cognizant of the need for due attention to issues of gender inequality, economic exclusion of women, high maternal mortality, gender discrimination and abuse of women in IDP camps as the nation commemorates the 2019 World Population Day.”

While ruling, the Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila who presided over the plenary session, explained that the House Committee on Population (when constituted) will be mandated to ensure compliance.