By George Ozalla
At an event held, Wednesday, in Abuja organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNFPA marking World Population Day, the Chairman Senate Committee on National Population and National Identity, Senator Victor Umeh, during his goodwill message emphasized the need for accurate and disaggregated data for effective youth empowerment and resource allocation. Umeh who stressed that without accurate population figures, development efforts in critical sectors such as housing, education, and healthcare services could continue to be a pipe dream. He advocated for the timely conduct of a credible Population and Housing Census, essential for inclusive development and youth-responsive policy. Umeh decried inaccurate population figure of citizens and described most of the figures as mere varying estimations, he lamented that the last census was conducted in 2006 and another one is long overdue. Umeh assured that through appropriation, the national assembly would support with funding to conduct a credible census.
National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman Honorable Nasir Kwarra in his remark underscored the urgent need to empower Nigeria’s youth to shape their futures and families in a fair and hopeful society. With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, Kwarra called on stakeholders to prioritize the aspirations of the nation’s youth in development strategies. Kwarra reaffirmed that empowering young people is not merely an act of charity, but a sustainable development strategy that necessitates significant investment in the youth to unlock the country’s demographic dividend. “With this demographic structure, we are among the few countries with a youthful and growing population. This presents us not with a crisis, but with a powerful opportunity,” he stated.
Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on National Population and Identity, in his remarks emphasized the importance of updated statistics in national development, urging President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the national census.
Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Association of the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to tackle increasing challenges occasioned by a youthful population.
Other speakers, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, UN Resident Coordinator Elsie Attafuah, UNFPA Deputy Representative Koessan Kuawu, and youth representative Benstowe Tamunolanyeofori Hephzibah emphasized the importance of empowering young people, especially in accessing education, healthcare, and reproductive choices for sustainable development.
The colourful event, drew participation from NYSC Corp Members, young people, women group, civil society groups, media representatives and other stakeholders.
Nigeria’s population is estimated at 223 million, with over 60% under age 30. The country hasn’t conducted a national census since 2006 despite the UN recommending censuses every 10 years. The Federal Government proposed N1.1 billion for the 2025 national census in the budget.
