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UNFPA to FG: End Population Estimates, Deliver Accurate Census Figures

Published

3 months ago

July 8, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called on the Federal Government to end reliance on population estimates by conducting a credible, technology-driven national census, insisting that accurate demographic data is indispensable for effective planning, equitable resource allocation and sustainable development.

The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja during a joint press briefing by the National Population Commission (NPC) and UNFPA ahead of the 2026 World Population Day (WPD), to be observed on July 11 with the theme: “Realizing the Hopes and Aspirations of Young People – Today and for the Future.”

Speaking at the briefing, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Muriel Mafico, said Nigeria must stop guessing its population figures and instead invest in robust demographic data systems to support evidence-based policymaking.

“We should not be guessing. Are we 240 million? Are we 250 million? Are we going to be 450 million by 2050? We should not be guessing because the tools and knowledge for understanding population already exist,” she said.

Mafico explained that Nigeria has already begun producing demographic profiles at the state level, describing the initiative as a critical step towards building a unified and reliable national data system.

She noted that UNFPA’s Global Demographic Futures Survey, which covered more than 100,000 respondents across 73 countries, including several in West and Southern Africa, showed that despite economic challenges, many young people remain optimistic about their future.

According to her, Nigeria’s youthful population represents one of its greatest assets, provided government invests strategically in education, healthcare, skills acquisition and job creation.

She disclosed that over 73 million Nigerians are below the age of 24, but expressed concern that about 12 per cent of young people are neither in education, employment nor training (NEET), while 93 per cent of employed youths work in the informal sector.

Mafico urged governments at all levels to strengthen the implementation of youth-focused policies, improve access to quality education, healthcare, affordable housing and social protection, while creating a peaceful and secure environment that enables young people to thrive.

Earlier, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, stressed that Nigeria’s estimated population of about 242 million makes it Africa’s most populous nation, with nearly 30 per cent of its citizens aged between 15 and 29 years.

He said the country’s greatest advantage lies not in the size of its population but in how effectively it develops and empowers its youth.

“Our future will not be determined by the size of our population alone, but by the opportunities available to our young people. They must be healthy, educated, skilled and productively engaged if Nigeria is to reap the benefits of its demographic dividend,” Yusuf stated.

The NPC chairman acknowledged ongoing youth-focused interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, including the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), expanded vocational training initiatives and the modernisation of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.

However, he warned that persistent challenges such as unemployment, underemployment, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure and the rising cost of living continue to limit the country’s ability to harness its demographic potential.

Yusuf reiterated the commission’s call for a credible, technology-driven Population and Housing Census, stressing that reliable population figures are essential for national planning, policy formulation, economic development and efficient distribution of public resources.

The 2026 World Population Day celebration on July 11 is expected to provide another platform for stakeholders to deepen conversations on population management, youth empowerment and the importance of accurate census data in driving Nigeria’s long-term development.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

14 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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