New York, USA – April 8, 2025
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting healthy lives and well-being for all ages during the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement, Honourable Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission, emphasized that a healthy population is essential for building a strong, peaceful, and prosperous nation. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Programme of Action from the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the 2019 Nairobi Commitments, and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
With a rapidly growing population estimated at 227.6 million, and over 70% under the age of 30, Nigeria is intensifying efforts to implement inclusive health policies and programs across all demographics and life stages. These include the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development (2022), the National Health Policy (2016), and the National Health Insurance Act (2022) aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Kwarra highlighted progress in combating gender-based violence and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. He noted that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act has now been domesticated in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The country has also expanded access to primary healthcare through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, focusing on maternal and child health, routine immunization, and disease prevention. Additionally, the National Mental Health Act is integrating mental healthcare into primary services.
Recognizing persistent challenges, especially those exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kwarra called for greater global cooperation in areas such as equitable access to vaccines, healthcare technologies, and sustainable financing. He urged development partners to support capacity-building in developing countries.
“Nigeria remains resolute in partnering with all stakeholders to promote the health and well-being of our citizens, aligning our policies with international frameworks and fostering partnerships for sustainable development,” Kwarra concluded.
