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UNFPA: Population Key to National Development
UNFPA: Population Key to National Development
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) has said population management is key to national development by allowing for right choices to be made.
The Country Representative, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Ms Ulla Mueller, said this at the ‘High Level Partners Engagement on the 2023 Population and Housing Census’ in Abuja, while also disclosing that the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs can only be delivered if Nigeria delivers its 2023 Census, urging everyone to get involved.
She said: “So taking that into consideration when we do a census in Nigeria, that kept a lot on the back. It’s well planned. And it was thought out. It’s a green census. Climate change is real. So we have together with the population commission gone over and beyond to ensure that we apply methodologies that are friendly to the climate to the extent possible. But it’s also going to help us make the right decisions about the climate as we go forward.
“The government has contributed already almost half of this budget and is commendable. We have to stand together figuring out how we take this to the goalpost. If we don’t, the world will actually fail to deliver the SDGs it’s not only Nigeria’s influence in Africa, it’s about Nigerians global influence as the third most populous country in the world 25 years from now.
“We cannot deliver the SDGs if we do not deliver the census in Nigeria so when you contribute to the census in Nigeria, you also contribute to the global promise and achieving and delivering on sustainable development goals and a world where no one is left behind”.
Mueller while assuring of continuous support to Nigeria, said the 2023 population census will offer Nigeria with the chance to choose potentials and opportunities particularly as the country is projected to reach 450 million mark by 2050.
She said: “Nigeria will be 450 million people in 2050 with 3.2 percent growth means the population will be doubled in 22 years is not much of a challenge. So we can choose to be 450 million strong and understand the possibilities and opportunities and well educated and well managed population offers to its country. Or we can choose to be 450 million blind and make decisions based in the dark on guess estimates, which means that we risk putting our investments not where they should be. We risk building schools in places where there are no women delivering children for instance, that would be a bad investment. We need to think about how do we do roads, where is the upcoming markets, that’s where it’s interesting for the private sector”.
She noted that it is estimated today that 70% of the population is under 30, with a lot of that population also under 18.
She added that: “Many of them would always now have started to produce the next generation. How are we going to educate them if we don’t know where they are? How are we going to ensure that there’s access to health care. How are we going to make sure that we have a grid that covers in the right spaces and that we expand that in the right faces? All of this evidence is what a census brings to the table. We were very challenged almost four years ago and I would like to also commend the government because of what many have done. But I also want to say the complexities of a census is mind blowing.”
, UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Mathias Schmale who described census as a capital intensive project, called for mobilization of fund for its success.
Schmale also restated the commitment of the UN to continue to support Nigeria especially in making the 2023 census a success.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. Zainab Ahmed, on her part said the need to address the inconsistency in the National Census and statistical system which limits the efficacy of development initiatives premised on obsolete data cannot be over-emphasize.
She said: “Our major challenge over the years had been the lack and/or inadequate funds to readily carry out such huge project in the face of pressing needs for social welfare and human capital development. It is worthy to note that 60 per cent of the funding and other requirements for the 2006 Census could not have been achieved without the invaluable support of the Development Partners, Corporate Bodies and other key Stakeholders. Indeed, the partnership and collaboration in carrying out the 2006 National Census took a lot of burden off the Government of Nigeria and enabled us to conduct a credible exercise whose outcome, served through the years.
“The data from the exercise has been useful in preparing our National Development Plans, implementation of Sectoral Plans and Initiatives, tracking follow-up actions for Global Conventions and Agreements, including the unfinished Agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Nairobi Commitments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development among others”.
Also speaking the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr. Clement Agba, gave an assurance of a digital, green and transformative census, which would meet international standards.
He said: “The Census was rescheduled for March 2023, but now recommended to hold in May 2023. This is a digital, green and transformative Census that meets international best practices. Some of the activities have been undertaken as scheduled including the conduct of a Trial Census. Government has demonstrated high level of financial and political commitment to the Census project in spite of the election cost and activities. UNFPA is providing significant technical and financial support to the Census programme. A Basket Fund managed by the UNFPA will be established for the redemption of pledges”.
He added that “a total amount of N889 billion would be required to conduct the census. So far the government has committed N291.5 billion to the census making it 46 per cent of total funding for the ncensus. There would be training of 885,000 persons for building numbering and household listing of all buildings in the country for seven days at average of N12,410 per day”.
UNFPA: Population Key to National Development
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
By: Our Reporter
In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, laid to rest Late Brigadier General Omo Braimo, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour and reflection.
Amidst grieving families and fellow comrades, the fallen heroes were accorded full military honours in recognition of their selfless service and unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation.
Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity and security of Nigeria.
In attendance were the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff and other senior military officers, all gathered to honour the courage and dedication of the departed.In their tributes, the Governor, the Minister of Defence, the CDS, and the COAS described the fallen soldiers as true patriots who stood firm in the face of danger and made the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live in safety.
They noted that their bravery and sense of duty will continue to inspire generations and remain etched in the nation’s history.With heavy hearts, prayers were offered for the peaceful repose of their souls, while citations detailing their service and sacrifice were read before their next of kin.
The grief of their families underscored the human cost of the nation’s security efforts, even as their courage remains a source of pride and honour.
As the nation mourns these heroes, it is reminded that the freedom and stability enjoyed today come at a profound cost, paid by brave men who placed duty above self and gave everything in service to their fatherland.
LATE BRIGADIER GENERAL BRAIMO, OTHER FALLEN HEROES LAID TO REST WITH MILITARY HONOURS
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
FG Raises Flood Alarm Across 10 States, Urges Immediate Precautionary Measures
UNESCO, CWAY Seal Landmark Pact to Transform Adolescent Health, Inclusive Education for Over One Million Nigerian Learners
Tinubu’s Lifetime Salary Approval Sparks Relief as Retired Paramilitary Chiefs Hail ‘Historic Justice’
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