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By Akpan David, Calabar
The federal commissioner representing the National Population Commission, NPC, in Cross River, Barrister Alex Ukam has stressed the need for early conduct of census in the country.
He maintained that accurate numerical strength of Nigerians has become critical to guide national development planning.
Ukam addressed journalists in his office in Calabar on Friday as part of programmes to mark this year’s World Population Day, which theme is ‘The Real Fertility Crisis – Pursuit of Reproductive Health Agency’.
Ukam said the last time census was conducted in Nigeria was in 2006, 19 years ago, whereas census ought to be conducted every ten years.
He lamented that the country has been relying on estimation works, which do not really assist in national development planning.
The former federal lawmaker disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated genuine determination to ensure the conduct of census during the lifetime of his administration, which reason he inaugurated a committee to advise him on early conduct of national census recently.
“I am almost certain that committee must have submitted its report to the president. There’s therefore hope for early census”, Ukam said.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration, Ukam stated that there is serious fertility crisis in the country, leading to drop in child births.
“This year’s theme ‘Real Fertility Issues’ underscores the need to swiftly address an issue that has eaten deep to the fabric of our society; threatening our collective existence, hence demanding attention, understanding and action.
“Recent demographics show severe fertility decline worldwide. More worrisome, is the disturbing fact that millions of individuals and families out there hitherto faces challenges of inability to have the number of children they desire.”
He said it was unfortunate that women were blamed for these changes, whereas fertility decisions are influenced by a multitude of factors including health, education, economic conditions, cultural norms, and access to reproductive services.
Ukam maintained that addressing fertility issues requires comprehensive efforts including increasing awareness, improving access to reproductive health services, and empowering women.”
He advised that the issue should be approached with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to supporting our people make informed decisions that affect their reproductive health.
On the the efforts NPC in Cross River State, Ukam said they have been actively engaged in sensitization and mobilisation campaigns across the state, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
“We’ve engaged in community sensitization on importance of birth registration.
“These efforts are crucial in ensuring that every child’s existence is officially recorded to assure fundamental access to education, healthcare, and social services.”
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