Nigeria Reaffirms Global Health Commitments at UN Population Summit

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria has renewed its commitment to promoting healthy lives and ensuring the well-being of its citizens across all age groups, in line with global development goals. This assurance was given by Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), at the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), currently ongoing at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the conference themed “Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being for All at All Ages,” Kwarra reaffirmed the country’s dedication to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He also expressed Nigeria’s support for the newly adopted Pact for the Future.

“Nigeria is home to one of the fastest-growing populations globally,” Kwarra stated. “Our current population stands at approximately 227.6 million, with over 70 percent of citizens under the age of 30. This demographic trend places increased importance on our health and development strategies.”

The NPC Chairman outlined a number of national initiatives designed to improve health outcomes, including the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development (2022), the National Health Policy (2016), and the National Health Insurance Act (2022) aimed at accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He also emphasized Nigeria’s legal framework and advocacy efforts to end gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation. “With the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act domesticated in 34 states and the FCT, we are expanding legal protections for women and girls nationwide,” he said.

Kwarra highlighted ongoing investments in maternal and child healthcare, routine immunization, and disease prevention under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. He noted that Nigeria is also tackling mental health issues through the National Mental Health Act, recently passed to integrate mental healthcare into primary health systems.

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that challenges persist, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic exposed systemic vulnerabilities and underlined the need for resilient health systems. Nigeria is increasing domestic health financing and investing in local pharmaceutical production to build that resilience,” he added.

Kwarra called on development partners for greater support in ensuring equitable access to vaccines, health technologies, and sustainable health financing in developing countries.

“Nigeria remains committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver on the promise of health for all,” he concluded.

The CPD’s 58th session, which runs from April 7 to 11, brings together representatives from member states to evaluate progress and challenges in implementing global population and development frameworks.