The Federal Government has unveiled plans to begin the local production of family planning commodities as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imports, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s human capital.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the initiative in Abuja during the inauguration of the Nigeria FP2030 High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform on Family Planning, Health, Human Capital and National Development.
Pate said the new platform would provide a coordinated approach to family planning and broader human capital development, bringing together ministries and government agencies whose responsibilities are linked to the country’s population and development goals.
According to him, producing family planning commodities within Nigeria would not only improve access to essential health products but also create opportunities for young Nigerians and retain greater economic value domestically.
The minister described Nigeria’s population as its greatest asset, arguing that the country must deliberately turn its rapidly expanding population into a productive force.
“Nigeria’s population remains the country’s greatest asset,” Pate said, stressing that its value would depend largely on investments in health, education, skills and economic opportunities.
Nigeria, with an estimated population of about 230 million people, is predominantly youthful and adds millions of people to its population each year.
Pate noted that the population could rise to between 450 million and 500 million by 2050.
He warned that such growth could become either an advantage or a burden, depending on how effectively the government invests in its people.
The minister said the inter-ministerial platform would take a life-course approach, addressing the needs of Nigerians from adolescence through adulthood, parenthood and old age.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will focus on healthcare access and outcomes, while the Ministries of Budget and Economic Planning and Finance will support planning, financing and human capital investment.
The Ministries of Education, Women Affairs and Youth Development will also contribute to areas including girls’ education, youth empowerment and reproductive health.
Pate further identified the National Population Commission as an important partner in tracking fertility trends, population projections and efforts to secure Nigeria’s demographic dividend.
He also called for stronger primary healthcare services, particularly maternal, newborn and child health interventions, noting that the survival and wellbeing of children could influence families’ decisions about the size of their households.
The minister urged the National Orientation Agency to intensify public education, community engagement and efforts to counter misinformation surrounding health interventions.
He insisted that the new platform must produce measurable results rather than become another forum for meetings.
“Health, including family planning, is a smart investment in human capital and Nigeria’s future,” said Dr Alain Damiba, Managing Director of FP2030 West and Central Africa Office.
Damiba commended the Federal Government for establishing the platform, saying family planning should not be treated as the responsibility of the health sector alone.
He said coordinated action could improve health outcomeGis while also supporting education, economic productivity and the welfare of families.
Pate called on state governments to complement federal efforts by increasing investments in healthcare, family planning and human capital development.
