The Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC), Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Ukam, held a press briefing in Calabar today in commemoration of the 2025 World Population Day (WPD), calling for collective action to address the growing fertility crisis in Nigeria and beyond.
This year’s celebration, themed “Real Fertility Crisis”, is aimed at spotlighting the complex challenges surrounding fertility rates, reproductive agency, and population growth, particularly among young people.
In his remarks, Barr. Alex Ukam provided insight into the responsibilities of the NPC as a federal government agency. The commission is mandated to:
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Conduct periodic population enumerations and surveys.
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Register births and deaths across the country.
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Prepare census frameworks and facilitate local-level surveys.
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Collect migration and demographic data.
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Monitor and support the implementation of national population policies.
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Provide advisory services to the presidency and government agencies.
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Engage in public education and advocacy.
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Ensure accurate, data-driven planning for national development.
The commissioner stressed that the global concern is not simply about a declining fertility rate, but about the lack of reproductive agency the inability of individuals and couples to have the number of children they desire.
“Many women are unfairly blamed, but fertility is shaped by access to healthcare, economic conditions, cultural expectations, and education. Our approach must be holistic we must empower individuals to make informed reproductive choices,” he stated.
He emphasized the need for increased investment in reproductive health services and awareness, especially in rural communities.
NPC’s Recent Activities in Cross River State
Barr. Ukam shared updates on key activities recently carried out by the Cross River State office of the NPC:
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Birth Registration Campaigns: Ongoing sensitization efforts in hard-to-reach areas to ensure all children are officially registered, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services.
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Malaria Survey: A state-wide demographic and health-focused survey to support health policy formulation and resource distribution.
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Advocacy Partnerships: Collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Cross River State, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, to enhance birth registration and maternal health awareness.
These initiatives, he said, support Nigeria’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16 promoting inclusive and just societies.
The commissioner extended heartfelt appreciation to:
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast support and the recent setup of a national census planning committee.
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First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for championing birth registration through the UNICEF-backed “Commemorative Birth Registration” project.
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Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for providing a state-of-the-art office building for NPC worth over ₦500 million.
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Chairman of NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, and DG, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, for their leadership and coordination.
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Partners such as UNICEF, and other civil society stakeholders in Cross River for their unwavering support.
Dr. Andrew Kirima, Cross River State representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), echoed the urgency of the fertility issue. He highlighted that the real crisis is not just declining birth rates, but the barriers preventing people from achieving their fertility goals especially young people, who face uncertainty, economic stress, and limited access to reproductive services.
“Young people are not just thinking about having children they are thinking about the kind of world those children will inherit,” he quoted from a youth activist in Lebanon.
Also speaking at the event, Cross River State Director of Statistics, Dr. Jehoshaphat Oga, emphasized the importance of data-driven policy. He noted that although a national census is pending, existing data through vital registrations and death rates offer actionable estimates for planning and resource allocation.
Barr. Alex Ukam concluded the event by reassuring Nigerians that the Federal Government has commenced preparations for the upcoming national census, expected to be conducted before the end of President Tinubu’s administration. He called on Cross Riverians and all Nigerians to work together in building a country where every citizen is counted and empowered.
“Let us unite to tackle fertility and demographic challenges. Together, we can build a future where every Nigerian is recognized, supported, and included in national planning.
Happy World Population Day 2025!
