By Mikaila Tsoho Dutse
Stakeholders in Jigawa State have convened to develop strategies for achieving a demographic dividend through a workshop organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) in partnership with UKaid’s LAFIYA project.
Speaking at the event, NPC Jigawa State Director Kassim D. Muhammad outlined the workshop’s objectives, which include orienting participants on Nigeria’s revised National Population Policy, understanding demographic dividend concepts, and exploring multisectoral solutions to population challenges.
“To achieve a demographic dividend, we must reduce fertility, invest in education, promote human capital development, and ensure good governance in our state,” Muhammad stated.
The workshop gathered a diverse group of participants, including traditional and religious leaders, health and education representatives, and officials from women’s affairs.
Attendees discussed the key drivers of demographic transition, such as urbanisation, industrialisation, and women’s empowerment.
Dr Musa Sani Zakirai, a demographic dividend expert, emphasised the need to address fertility-related challenges, including early marriage, low contraceptive use, and cultural preferences for large families.
“To ensure a smooth demographic transition, we must expand family planning, improve maternal and child health programmes, and promote quality education,” Zakirai advised.
