Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Global Health Goals at UN population summit

Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing health and well-being for all citizens, aligning its national development agenda with global commitments.

This was reaffirmed by Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), during Nigeria’s address at the 58th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Speaking on the session’s theme, “Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being for All at All Ages,” Kwarra underscored Nigeria’s determination to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implement the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, and pursue the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

He also affirmed Nigeria’s support for the newly adopted Pact for the Future.

With Nigeria’s population now at 227.6 million, over 70 percent of whom are under 30, Kwarra acknowledged the dual challenge and opportunity presented by such a youthful demographic. He highlighted the need for sustained investments in healthcare and social infrastructure to meet growing demands.

National policy measures such as the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development (2022), the National Health Policy (2016), and the National Health Insurance Act (2022) were cited as instruments to expand access to Universal Health Coverage.

He also pointed to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund as a mechanism to improve primary healthcare, particularly in maternal and child health, routine immunisation, and disease prevention.

In terms of social protection, Kwarra noted ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence and harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), citing the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 34 states and the FCT as a key milestone.

Kwarra further highlighted the enactment of the National Mental Health Act, which seeks to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare, describing this as crucial to the country’s broader well-being goals.

Acknowledging that the COVID-19 pandemic had strained health systems and slowed progress, he called for intensified global cooperation to strengthen national health infrastructure, ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments, and boost local pharmaceutical production.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global partnerships in building a healthier, more prosperous future.

The 58th CPD session, held from 7 to 11 April 2025, brings together UN member states to assess progress on population and development issues.

By Nigerian Observer

Nigeria reaffirms commitment to Global Health Goals at UN population summit