The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with Transparency International Nigeria, under the aegis of Population Conversation in Nigeria, organized a crucial capacity-building workshop on population planning.
Supported by Population Matters UK, the workshop aimed to foster national discussions and raise awareness on the importance of sustainable population growth for Nigeria’s development. The event brought together institutions, media representatives, and members of the public,and addressed the significant challenges posed by Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
The focus of the event was to create a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders and to promote policies that can guide Nigeria through a demographic transition.
It was noted that as of October 2023, the world population reached over 8.06 billion, surpassing previous projections made by the United Nations. Nigeria, the sixth most populous nation in the world, has a population of approximately 223.8 million as of 2022.
However, it was feared that by 2050, Nigeria’s population is projected to exceed 400 million, a rapid growth that might pose a substantial challenge to the nation’s resources and development.
The capacity-building workshop ignited discussions to encourage smaller family planning and ensure that institutions and the media participate in raising public awareness about the implications of population growth for sustainable development.
Jimoh Abubakar, the Program Officer at CISLAC, presented a detailed report on the organization’s survey on population issues. “We collected both qualitative and quantitative data, which initially existed in raw form. To refine this data, we collaborated with experts who helped transform it into a publishable, easily readable format,” Abubakar explained.
He continued, describing the rigorous validation process the data underwent: “Following the data collection exercise, we conducted a thorough review, gathering all data collectors to validate the information further. This involved asking specific questions to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data.”
Abubakar spoke on the significance of collaboration with government agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics and the National Agricultural Commission. “Our research is connected to various agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics and the National Agricultural Commission. These organizations recognize the importance of our work, particularly in relation to youth and students,” he added.
A survey conducted by CISLAC reached 750 individuals across different sample sites, with 723 responses, yielding a response rate of 96%. Abubakar noted that these responses provided valuable insights into the public’s awareness of population issues, and identified distinct categories of feedback, including 281 responses from one group and 223 from another.
Abubakar also stressed the need for greater civic engagement, particularly among students and youth. “I encourage everyone to participate in the democratic process and make their voices heard,” he urged. He emphasized the importance of education and family planning, advising young people to focus on their studies and personal growth before considering starting a family.
“We need to ensure that both partners in a relationship possess common sense and are emotionally prepared before starting a family. This foundation is essential for making informed decisions and navigating life’s challenges,” Abubakar stated.
While addressing Nigeria’s large population, Abubakar raised concerns over the country’s failure to leverage its demographic size for economic growth. “It’s ironic that despite having a large and potentially powerful population, Nigeria struggles to provide for its citizens,” he said, referring to challenges such as unemployment and underemployment. He called for more strategic initiatives to turn Nigeria’s population into an asset rather than a liability.
Abubakar made an impassioned appeal for better support for healthcare professionals in the country. He argued that prioritizing the well-being of doctors and medical practitioners would help reduce the “Japa syndrome,” where skilled workers leave Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad. “It is essential that we prioritize the well-being of our healthcare workers, who dedicate their lives to caring for others,” he said.
The participants unanimously raised concerns about the absence of effective population control policies in Nigeria. There was a collective call for the government to prioritize population management, beginning with an accurate national census. Participants highlighted that such a census would be crucial for developing sound policies that address the country’s growing population.
“Government should establish legislation or policies regulating the number of children individuals can have based on their financial capacity,” said a participant. “For example, families earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000 should not be expected to support multiple children. In this economy, ₦70,000 can barely cover the individual’s needs, let alone those of their children.”
Abubakar echoed these concerns, noting that implementing sustainable population control measures was critical for Nigeria’s future. “To ensure sustainable development, the government must focus on education, particularly in schools. We need policies that promote responsible family planning and eliminate child marriage,” he said.
He further proposed the introduction of legislation that would regulate family sizes based on economic factors such as income, savings, and investments. “By establishing such laws, Nigeria can ensure that individuals are financially prepared to raise children, thus reducing the burden on the state and promoting a more sustainable future,” Abubakar explained.
Abubakar suggested that families with lower incomes, particularly those earning the minimum wage, should be encouraged to have only one child, with incentives for responsible family planning. “We need a realistic assessment of what people can afford, and then implement policies accordingly,” he said.
Points were raised about the inability to conduct a national census due to socio-cultural and religious obstacles, which in turn prevents the formulation of accurate and effective population policies. This lack of data further complicates efforts to plan for sustainable development in the country.
The workshop concluded with a call to action for both the government and the public to work together in addressing the challenges posed by Nigeria’s rapid population growth.
With the population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, it is clear that comprehensive policies and public awareness campaigns are urgently needed to ensure that Nigeria’s demographic growth is managed in a way that supports economic development and improves the quality of life for all its citizens.