By Tobias Lengnan Dapam
The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, said the country must address the structural barriers that limit young people’s ability to make informed and voluntary decisions about their lives, livelihoods, and reproductive choices.
“With over 60 percent of our population under the age of 30, we stand on the brink of a transformative demographic transition, one that presents both immense opportunity and significant challenges.
“Our youthful and vibrant population has the potential to be a powerful driver of national development. “
The chairman stated this on Thursday in Abuja, at a press briefing to mark this years World Population Day theme, “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.”
He said many young people face multiple constraints ranging from limited access to quality education and healthcare, to unemployment, gender-based discrimination, and social marginalization.
“These realities threaten to turn our potential demographic dividend into a demographic burden if left unaddressed.
“World Population Day 2025 is, therefore, a call to action for government, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to recommit to creating a just and supportive environment in which young people are empowered with knowledge, supported by opportunity, and protected by rights.
“At the core of this effort is the power of data. As the agency constitutionally mandated to generate reliable demographic data for planning and policy, the National Population Commission has redoubled its efforts to provide the evidence base necessary for inclusive, youth-focused governance.”
On his part, UNFPA Nigeria Deputy Representative/OIC, Mr Koessan Kuawu said this year’s focus highlighted the global discussion around population trends, emphasizing that the real “fertility crisis” is a lack of reproductive agency and the inability of young people to create families they desire.
He called for provision of secured jobs, sufficient income for housing, and other living costs to help young people achieve financial stability and broaden their choices regarding family planning.
“There is also need to ensure access to comprehensive sexuality education to support informed choices and empower young people with knowledge about their reproductive health and rights.”
