In a pivotal address at the Interactive and Sensitization Meeting on the Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS) held at the National Population Commission (NPC) Headquarters in Abuja, today, 27th March 2025, our digital Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra emphasized the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders to address Nigeria's population challenges and harness its demographic potential.

Hon. Kwarra highlighted the significance of the APLS, established in 2012 as a vital forum for policymakers and stakeholders to engage in discussions around population and development issues. He noted that the platform has successfully identified critical demographic divides across Nigeria, including disparities in fertility rates and access to reproductive health services.

With projections indicating that Nigeria will become the third most populous country by 2050, Hon. Kwarra underscored the necessity of transforming this growth into a demographic dividend through education and skills development for the youth. He called for a collective effort to ensure that the increasing population serves as a source of national strength rather than a challenge.

Despite the progress made, Hon. Kwarra acknowledged the obstacles facing APLS, including dwindling funding and participation. He urged stakeholders—policymakers, civil society organizations, and development partners—to unite in support of the APLS initiative to revitalize its impact.

"This meeting is crucial in building awareness and mobilizing support for our upcoming strategic planning session," Kwarra stated. "Together, we can enhance the APLS platform and make it a more effective tool for addressing the pressing population and development challenges facing Nigeria."

Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP) in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the APLS in tackling population and development issues, including family planning. He urged other stakeholders to lend their support to the initiative.

Dr. Okai Abubakar Haruna Aku, Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), noted that the APLS serves as a policy-focused forum that stimulates high-level discussions on Nigeria’s population and related themes. He stressed that the current population growth rate, if unaddressed, will continue to exert undue pressure on every sector of the nation’s economy and hinder progress toward sustainable development.

Dr. Stanley Ukpai, Director of Projects at the Development Research and Project Centre, called for greater awareness and understanding of the APLS. He shared a misconception he had that the APLS was a biannual event of the PPFN, unaware that it has been the flagship programme of the NPC in collaboration with PPFN. He expressed gratitude for the meeting, which provided an avenue for stakeholders to identify how they can contribute to funding the APLS.

Dr. Anthony Nwala from the Society for Family Health pledged the commitment of stakeholders to support the APLS.

In her remarks, NPC Federal Commissioner representing Benue State, Barr. Mrs. Patricia Iyanya Kupchi, commended the NPC Chairman for his unwavering commitment and leadership in supporting the APLS and called on other stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the Lecture Series.

The meeting also saw the participation of Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, and various Directors of the NPC. 

The call to action resonated with participants, setting the stage for fruitful discussions aimed at fostering a more prosperous future for the nation.