By Michael Omotosho |
The Federal Government has launched a High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform on Family Planning, Health, Human Capital and National Development to strengthen coordination among government institutions and make family planning a key part of Nigeria’s development agenda.
The platform was inaugurated in Abuja on August 7, 2026, by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who said Nigeria’s growing population could either become a major national asset or a liability depending on the investments made today.
Pate: Population Can Be Nigeria’s Greatest Asset
Pate said Nigeria’s population, currently estimated at 230 million and projected to reach between 450 million and 500 million by 2050, presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the country.
According to him, investments in health, education, empowerment and productivity will determine whether the country can turn its population into a strong driver of economic and social development.
He said the new platform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a prosperous, peaceful and people-centred Nigeria.
Pate stressed that family planning should not be treated as an issue for the health sector alone, noting that it is closely linked to reproductive health, maternal and child health, girls’ education and youth empowerment.
FG Seeks Coordinated Action Across Ministries
The Coordinating Minister said the platform would bring relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies together to align priorities, strengthen accountability and drive practical action.
He added that the success of the initiative would be judged by measurable outcomes rather than meetings and discussions.
Pate also announced progress towards the domestic production of family planning commodities, describing it as an important step towards reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported supplies.
According to him, local production could also create jobs and ensure that more economic value remains within the country.
He called for sustained financing and implementation at the subnational level to ensure that national policies translate into improved outcomes for Nigerians.
Family Planning Is a Human Capital Investment
The Managing Director, North, West and Central Africa Regional Hub of Family Planning 2030 (FP2030), Dr Alain Damiba, commended the Federal Government for establishing the platform.
Damiba described family planning as a shared responsibility across government and a smart investment in human capital, noting that its benefits extend beyond the health sector.
He said investments in family planning could contribute to better education outcomes, increased economic productivity and improved wellbeing for families and communities.
According to him, FP2030 sees the platform as an opportunity to establish shared outcomes, improve accountability and track progress across government Ministries.
FG Urges Action Beyond Discussions
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, said improved health outcomes require coordinated policies, aligned investments, effective partnerships and shared accountability across government.
In a welcome address delivered on her behalf by the Director of Family Health, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ozi, Kachollom urged members of the platform to focus on practical measures that would strengthen collaboration and produce measurable results.
“Let us use this platform to move beyond discussions to concrete, coordinated and measurable actions,” she said.
The Federal Government and participating stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, coordinated investment and measurable action to strengthen family planning, improve health outcomes and accelerate human capital development.
The government said the initiative is ultimately aimed at building a healthier, more productive and prosperous Nigeria.
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