By George Ozalla
Nigeria’s Chairman of the National Population Commission, Honourable Nasir Isa Kwarra, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting healthy lives and well-being for all citizens, aligning with global development goals. Speaking at the on-going 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in New York, Kwarra highlighted Nigeria’s progress in improving healthcare outcomes.
Nigeria’s population is estimated at 227.6 million, with over 70% of citizens under 30. The country has implemented policies like the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development (2022) and the National Health Insurance Act (2022) to support Universal Health Coverage. Additionally, Nigeria has made significant progress in combating gender-based violence, with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act domesticated in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Hon. Kwarra emphasized that despite progress, Nigeria faces challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is working to build resilience through pandemic preparedness, increased domestic health financing, and investments in local pharmaceutical manufacturing. “Nigeria remains committed to working with all stakeholders to advance the health and well-being of our people,” Kwarra stated.
The Chairman also called for enhanced global cooperation, equitable access to healthcare technologies, and sustainable health financing. “We urge development partners to support capacity-building initiatives that empower developing nations to strengthen their health systems and ensure sustainable health financing,” he added.
Nigeria’s efforts to improve healthcare outcomes are aligned with global development goals, including the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The country’s commitment to promoting healthy lives and well-being for all citizens is reflected in its ongoing efforts to expand access to primary healthcare services, prioritize maternal and child health, and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
