On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. The event, held today at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja, brought together prominent figures including government officials, diplomats, and representatives from national and international organizations, under the theme “The March Continues: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for All.”
Organized by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with the UNFPA Nigeria and other partners, the gathering also marked the 5th anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on ICPD@25. The occasion served as an opportunity for key stakeholders to reflect on the progress made over the past three decades and to recommit to achieving the ICPD’s goals of universal access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the NPC, delivered a powerful speech highlighting Nigeria’s progress in areas such as maternal and child health, as well as gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. He emphasized that the government has made significant investments to expand access to reproductive healthcare services, yet acknowledged the challenges that remain. A critical concern raised by Kwarra was the delayed population and housing census, which he said impedes effective policymaking and resource allocation, particularly in underserved regions.
“The march for sexual and reproductive health and rights continues,” said Kwarra. “We must work together—government, civil society, and international partners—to ensure that every Nigerian has access to these essential rights as a matter of social and economic justice.”
Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, represented by Mr. Mike Imafidon, further emphasized the importance of empowering women and girls. She highlighted that systemic barriers still hinder women’s health, education, and economic participation in Nigeria. She also stressed the need to engage men and boys as allies in tackling gender-based violence, urging a collective effort to create a society where every woman can realize her full potential.
“Women’s health, education, and economic participation are still hindered by inequalities,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said. “It is our duty to ensure that every woman has the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive.”
Ambassador Adam Bako, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforced the importance of international collaboration in achieving the ICPD’s goals. He called for stronger partnerships to ensure that sexual and reproductive health rights are universally accessible.
Reflecting on the progress made since the ICPD in 1994, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, acknowledged that while global maternal mortality rates have decreased, Nigeria’s progress has been slower. Saraki highlighted the continued risks faced by Nigerian women, with one in 22 still at risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. She reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to achieving “Zero unmet need for family planning, zero preventable maternal deaths, and zero gender-based violence.”
Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas-Kolo, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Health, emphasized the government’s efforts to strengthen universal health coverage, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and girls. However, she also pointed out challenges such as low adoption of family planning and gaps in emergency obstetric care.
UNFPA Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Koessan Kuawu, called for continued investment in health systems, youth engagement, and stronger multi-sectoral partnerships. He stressed that progress in reproductive health and gender equity can only be sustained through collective effort.
“The march continues, and so must our collective efforts,” Kuawu stated.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to continue working towards the universal goal of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. The anniversary served as both a reflection on past achievements and a renewed call to action to address ongoing challenges in creating a future where every individual has the opportunity to make informed choices about their health and lives.
