By Muhammad Amaan
The Coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi Garba has called for the moving of Population matters to Part C (Statutory transfers) of the Federal Budget.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 13th Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS) in Abuja, Dr Magashi urged for a strong push to move Population matters to Part C (Statutory transfers) of the Federal Budget for robust and sustainable funding.
He stressed the urgency of population management, noting projections that Nigeria’s population could reach 400 million by 2050.
He said, “With 70 per cent of citizens under 30, the country is already facing challenges in education, health, family planning, and contraceptive use.”
Dr Magashi called for full implementation of the National Population Policy, dedicated budget lines for population initiatives, and close collaboration between commissioners and state governors to ensure consistent funding.
He also urged policymakers to integrate population issues into national security planning.
The lecture, themed ‘Emerging Global Funding Realities: Impact on Population Activities and Need for Innovative Domestic Resource Mobilisation,, provided a platform for policymakers and experts to discuss strategies for sustainable population management.
On his part, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Aminu Yusuf, has called for the establishment of a dedicated Population Trust Fund to prevent chronic delays in Nigeria’s national census.
He said the fund would guarantee the timely planning and execution of censuses, which are constitutionally intended to take place every 10 years.
“The creation of a Population Trust Fund is central to our reform agenda,” Yusuf said.
“It will strengthen the commission’s independence and ensure that funding gaps no longer disrupt census operations.”
He added that declining global development assistance has made domestic resource mobilisation increasingly critical for key population activities, including health, education, and data systems.
Also speaking, Rep. Kwamoti Laori, National President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), highlighted the effects of shifting global funding on reproductive and maternal health services.
Represented by Executive Director, Dr Haruna Aku, Laori said the absence of legislation mandating census intervals has contributed to delays, pointing out that nearly two decades have passed without a national headcount. “Unreliable data is compounding security challenges, including banditry and kidnappings,” he warned.
Mrs Edna Azura, National President of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), emphasised the importance of well-funded demographic programs for maternal health, girl-child education, gender-based violence prevention, and economic empowerment.
She advocated for stronger domestic resource mobilisation, public–private partnerships, and community engagement, pledging NCWS support for NPC efforts to improve data accuracy, promote responsible population management, and advance gender-responsive planning.
