Dr. Ejike Orji, Chairman of the AAFP, emphasized the urgent need for Nigerians to embrace family planning for better health and economic stability. He pointed to the rising number of unemployed youth as a critical concern, noting that 75% of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 34, many of whom are jobless.
“If this trend continues, we could face a situation where people may not be able to feed themselves. The high fertility rate and lack of corresponding economic growth will only worsen these challenges,” Orji said.
Appeal for Funding and Retaining Healthcare Professionals
Orji also urged the federal government to release the N2 billion budgeted for family planning interventions this year, adding that such programs are vital to curbing population growth. He lauded the payment of a $4 million counterpart fund earlier this year but stressed that more investment is needed to sustain progress.
He further called on the government to incentivize the health sector, warning of the continued brain drain caused by the “Japa syndrome,” where trained professionals leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad.
Historical Perspective and the Path Forward
Drawing comparisons, Orji highlighted Nigeria’s population explosion over the decades. “At independence in 1960, Nigeria had a population of 42.5 million compared to Britain’s 50 million. Today, Britain’s population is around 60 million, while Nigeria’s has surged to over 230 million,” he said.
To address the crisis, Orji announced the upcoming 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference on December 6. The event will focus on sustainable financing, multi-stakeholder accountability, and advancing rights-based family planning services.
Cultural and Religious Barriers
Adding to the discussion, Mr. Jakes Apelle, President of the Albino Foundation, urged Nigerians to look beyond cultural and religious barriers to family planning. He highlighted the health and economic benefits of adopting modern family planning practices.
With less than three decades to 2050, stakeholders are calling for immediate action to address the growing population and its implications for Nigeria’s future.
