The 2025 World Population Day (WPD) was marked with a renewed call for greater investment in Nigeria’s youth, as stakeholders highlighted the urgent need to address barriers limiting young people’s potential.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja to commemorate the day, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, stressed the importance of prioritizing youth empowerment to unlock the country’s demographic potential.
Kwarra warned that without immediate and sustained action, Nigeria risks turning its demographic dividend into a demographic burden.
The NPC chairman also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing initiatives, including the revitalisation of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and preparations for the first fully digital population and housing census in Nigeria’s history.
In his remarks, UNFPA Nigeria Deputy Representative, Koessan Kuawu, emphasised the importance of a global shift in the conversation around population and fertility, while urging the Nigerian government and its partners to intensify efforts to empower young people, particularly in making informed reproductive choices.
The world population day is observed annually to raise awareness on population issues and their impact on development.
The theme of this year’s edition is: Empowering Young People to Create the Families they Want in a Fair and hopeful World’.
End.