Katsina Times
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world in commemorating the 2025 World Population Day, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has emphasized the urgent need to empower young people through inclusive policies, access to quality services, and data-informed governance.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Kwarra highlighted the relevance of this year’s global theme: “Empowering Young People to Create the Families They Want in a Fair and Hopeful World.” He noted that with over 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the country stands at a critical demographic juncture.
“Our youthful and vibrant population has the potential to be a powerful driver of national development,” Kwarra said, warning that failure to invest in youth may turn this opportunity into a burden.
He pointed to major obstacles confronting Nigerian youth, including limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, gender inequality, and social exclusion. The NPC boss called on government institutions, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in removing these structural barriers.
Census, CRVS and Geospatial Innovations at the Forefront
Kwarra reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing accurate and reliable demographic data to support youth-focused policies. He outlined three strategic pillars currently driving the Commission’s operations:
Revitalization of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS):
He stressed that a birth certificate is not just a document, but a foundation for legal identity, education, healthcare, and social services. The Commission, in partnership with ministries and development partners, is expanding digital birth and death registration across health facilities and community centres.
Implementation of Nigeria’s First Fully Digital Population and Housing Census:
Describing it as a historic milestone, Kwarra said the forthcoming digital census will collect detailed, disaggregated data to guide planning in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and employment.
Establishment of the National Geospatial Data Repository:
The repository will integrate census and CRVS data with geographic tools to visualize population dynamics and track development gaps, particularly in underserved communities.
UNFPA, Media, and Stakeholders Commended
Kwarra commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its long-standing support in strengthening Nigeria’s demographic data and promoting reproductive health and youth development. He also acknowledged the media for their key role in raising public awareness.
“You are not just conveyors of information; you are custodians of national awareness,” he said, urging the press to continue promoting population literacy and youth advocacy.
A Call to Action
Concluding his remarks, the NPC Chairman called for collective resolve to empower young Nigerians with the knowledge, freedom, and support to make informed decisions about their lives and families.
“Empowering our youth is not a choice—it is an existential imperative,” he declared. “Let us make this year’s World Population Day a defining moment for a more inclusive, equitable, and data-informed Nigeria.”
World Population Day is observed globally on July 11 every year to raise awareness about population issues and the importance of reproductive rights and development planning.
