NPC, UNFPA Nigeria Launch 2023 State of the World Population Report
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria have unveiled the highly anticipated 2023 State of the World Population (SWOP) Report.
The launch event took place at the prestigious Frazer Suites in Abuja, gathering notable dignitaries and stakeholders.
For over four decades, the SWOP Report has been UNFPA’s flagship publication, shedding light on population and development concerns.
Each year, the report focuses on specific population groups such as women, young people, adolescents, and girls.
By doing so, it aims to raise global awareness about population growth and demographic shifts while providing recommendations to improve the health, well-being, and rights of individuals and communities worldwide.
The 2023 edition of the SWOP Report carries the theme “8 Billion Lives, Infinite Possibilities – The Case for Rights and Choices,” aiming to challenge conventional perceptions of population figures and discourage sensationalised narratives about population trends.
The report calls on policymakers and the media to adopt a more nuanced understanding of population dynamics, emphasising the importance of individual rights and choices.
In light of the significant milestone achieved on November 15, 2022, when the global population reached 8 billion, the theme holds particular relevance for Nigeria, having been projected to be among the eight nations that will account for more than half of the global population increase by 2050.
During the launch event, several esteemed speakers highlighted the need for Nigeria to invest substantially in key areas to accommodate the current and projected population growth. These areas include quality education tailored to the demands of the global labour market, accessible and affordable healthcare services (including family planning), the creation of decent jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, empowerment of women, and ensuring the safety and security of the population.
The implementation of these measures is expected to expedite economic growth and harness the demographic dividend within Nigeria.
Furthermore, the participants at the event appealed to the newly inaugurated administration of President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, saying it is crucial for generating reliable data to facilitate evidence-based planning and the implementation of the National Population Policy.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of notable figures including the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, NPC Federal Commissioners and staff, the UNFPA Resident Representative, Ms. Ulla Mueller, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, as well as partners from diplomatic, humanitarian, and development sectors.
The 2023 SWOP Report launch marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address the challenges and opportunities presented by population growth. As the country strives to chart a sustainable path towards the future, investing in education, healthcare, and job creation remains crucial for harnessing the full potential of its demographic dividend.
