The National Population Commission, (NPC), has launched the official report of the 13th Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS 13), highlighting the urgent need for innovative domestic financing to sustain Nigeria’s population and development programmes.
According to a statement by Stanley Onyeka Nwosu, mnipr, the Special Assistant, Media to the Honourable Chairman, NPC, the Chairman of the NPC, Dr. Aminu Yusuf spoke during a press briefing held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
He said the report represents a major milestone in institutionalizing population knowledge and ensuring demographic data drives national planning.
According to Dr. Yusuf, the 13th edition of the Annual Population Lecture Series, themed “Emerging Global Funding Realities: Impact on Population Activities and the Need for Innovative Domestic Resource Mobilization,” provides critical insights into the changing landscape of global financing for population and health-related programmes.
The report identifies five major challenges: persistent fertility and mortality disparities, funding constraints due to shifting donor priorities, weak data systems, poor institutional coordination, and a slow conversion of Nigeria’s youthful population into economic advantage.
Dr. Yusuf noted that while international partnerships remain valuable, Nigeria must take greater ownership of population financing.
“Securing our future requires a shift towards greater domestic responsibility. The owner of the load must make the first attempt to carry it,” he said.
The Commission proposed a roadmap centered on innovative financing models, greater private sector engagement, renewed policy implementation, and youth empowerment initiatives, including support for at least 1,000 youth-led enterprises by late 2026.
Dr. Yusuf stated that these priorities align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing institutional reform, data-driven governance, and sustainable development financing.
The NPC Chairman also called on government institutions, development partners, civil society, academia, and the media to collaborate in advancing the report’s recommendations.
He emphasized the central role of the media in deepening public understanding of demographic issues and fostering accountability.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency and measurable results, Dr. Yusuf disclosed plans to deploy digital dashboards and periodic performance reviews to track progress in population financing.
The event was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General and Management Staff of the Commission, as well as development partners.
