The rapid increase in Nigeria’s population and its implications for sustainable economic development underscore the urgent need for Family Planning (FP). Nigeria’s current population is estimated at over 230 million, according to Worldometer’s elaboration of the latest UN data. This figure represents 2.85% of the global population, making Nigeria the sixth most populous country in the world, with a population density of approximately 255 people per square kilometer.
By Aderogba George
Nigeria’s vast land area of 910,770 km² (351,650 square miles) is home to a population that is increasingly urbanized, with 53.9% (about 125.4 million people) living in urban areas as of 2024. The median age in Nigeria is just 17.9 years, reflecting a youthful population that presents both opportunities and challenges.
Experts advocating for FP in Nigeria have emphasized the critical need to manage the country’s explosive population growth for its long-term benefit. Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the Management Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), highlighted Nigeria’s commitment in March 2022 to provide 120 million Nigerians with access to FP services by 2030.
“There is a global partnership initiative aiming to ensure that by 2030, an additional 120 million Nigerians will have access to quality FP services,” Dr. Oji noted. He stressed the importance of FP in addressing the challenges posed by Nigeria’s burgeoning population, especially in light of recent nationwide protests that underscored the socio-economic pressures facing the country.
“Nigeria’s population is immense, with 35% of the population under the age of 35. A significant portion of these youths are struggling with hunger, exacerbated by various socio-economic factors. We also have the highest number of out-of-school children globally, surpassing even India, which is several times larger than us. Additionally, Nigeria leads the world in multi-dimensional poverty, with millions of our 220 million people affected. These are clear signs that our population growth rate is outpacing our economic growth rate. Therefore, FP is essential for curbing population growth and enabling effective planning for development,” Dr. Oji explained.
Dr. Oji further emphasized that Nigeria’s dependence ratio is estimated at 85%, with the majority of the population relying on a small, economically active minority. He warned that the country faces a dire situation with a large number of young people who are not in school, are poorly educated, and are either unemployable or unemployed.
The AAFP chairman also raised concerns about the alarming cases of sexual violence, particularly against minors, reported at Sexual Assault Referral Centres across the country. He pointed out that by 2030, Nigeria needs to increase its contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) for modern methods to 27% from the current 12%—a commitment the country has made to the global community.
“If we can achieve a 27% CPR, we will unlock a demographic dividend. But if we fail to reach that target, our efforts will be in vain. Regardless of government initiatives in other areas, particularly the economy, if we do not reduce our fertility rate to 4 children per couple, we are wasting our time,” Dr. Oji asserted.
In line with this, a conference of stakeholders has been scheduled from December 2 to 6 to promote FP as a vital tool for advancing Nigeria’s economic development. Dr. Okai Aku, Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), also stressed the need for policy reforms to support FP. He argued that Nigeria faces a population crisis and must invest in FP to manage its population and provide essential social services.
Dr. Aku dispelled the misconception that FP equates to ending conception, clarifying that it is about managing population growth to ensure better planning and development. “We will continue to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of FP and how it can be leveraged for national development,” he said, highlighting that FP can alleviate poverty and assist in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Geraldine Etuk, Acting National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), echoed these sentiments, urging women to embrace FP and calling on the government to create an enabling environment that supports this initiative. Felicity Ike, Nigeria’s Youth Focal Point Personnel for the 2030 FP Target, called on youths to champion FP, noting that they are the most affected by unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
“FP is crucial for helping young people make informed decisions about their reproductive health, enabling them to pursue higher education, space their children appropriately, and lead healthy lives,” she said.
In his remarks, Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to increasing the Modern Contraceptives Prevalence Rate (MCPR) to meet the FP2030 target of 27%.
Experts agree that, beyond reducing the risk of maternal mortality, effective FP in Nigeria will ease economic pressures on families, society, and the nation as a whole.
NANFeatures
