The National Population Commission (NPC) has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 World Population Day with a strong call for action on declining fertility rates, under the theme: “The Real Fertility Crisis.”
The event, held in Calabar on July 11, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to address the global trend of falling birth rates and its implications for national development.
Speaking at the event, the Federal Commissioner representing Cross River State in the NPC, Right Honourable Alex Ukam, welcomed participants with gratitude and underscored the urgency of tackling the fertility decline. He noted that many couples are unable to have the number of children they desire due to factors beyond their control.
“Sadly, women are frequently and unfairly blamed, whereas fertility choices are shaped by health, education, economic conditions, cultural norms, and access to reproductive services,” Ukam stated.
The Federal Commissioner also revealed that the NPC recently conducted a maternal health survey to support data-driven decision-making in health policy and resource allocation.
He called for a holistic approach in addressing fertility-related challenges, beginning with public awareness, improved reproductive health services, and empowering families with accurate information for informed decision-making.
Representing Governor Senator Bassey Otu, the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, reaffirmed the Cross River State Government’s support for the NPC’s mandate. He described the Commission as a critical federal agency responsible for generating and managing Nigeria’s population data.
“NPC’s role in conducting censuses, registering births and deaths, collecting migration data, and advising on population policies is indispensable to national planning,” Duke said.
Other speakers at the event commended the Commission’s efforts in promoting birth registration, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. They emphasized that registering every child is key to ensuring access to education, healthcare, and other social services.
In a notable partnership, the NPC is collaborating with the First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, to strengthen civil registration systems and enhance awareness among women and caregivers across the state.
World Population Day, observed annually on July 11, is a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness of population issues. This year’s celebration served as a critical reminder of ongoing demographic shifts and the need for timely, proactive policies to address the emerging challenges.
