FG Launches High-Level Platform to Advance Family Planning, Human Capital ,National Development
The Federal Government has launched a High-Level Inter-Ministerial Platform on Family Planning, Health, Human Capital and National Development as part of efforts to strengthen whole-of-government coordination and position family planning as a critical component of Nigeria’s human capital and national development agenda.
According to the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako who disclosed this in a press release said inaugurating the Platform in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said Nigeria’s population, estimated at about 230 million and projected to reach between 450 million and 500 million by 2050, could become the country’s greatest asset or a major liability, depending on the investments made today in health, education, empowerment and productivity.
Prof. Pate said the initiative aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a prosperous, peaceful and people-centred Nigeria.
According to him, family planning, reproductive health, maternal and child health, girls’ education and youth empowerment are interconnected elements of human capital development that require coordinated action beyond the health sector.
He explained that the new Platform would bring relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies together to align priorities, strengthen accountability and drive practical interventions, stressing that its success must be measured by concrete and measurable results rather than meetings and discussions.
The Coordinating Minister also announced progress towards the domestic production of family planning commodities, describing the development as an important milestone that would reduce dependence on imported supplies, create employment opportunities and retain greater economic value within Nigeria.He called for sustained commitment to financing and implementation at the subnational level to ensure that national priorities translate into improved health and development outcomes for Nigerians.
The Managing Director, North, West and Central Africa Regional Hub of Family Planning 2030 (FP2030), Dr Alain Damiba, commended the Federal Government for establishing the Platform, describing family planning as a shared responsibility across government and a smart investment in human capital.
Dr Damiba said FP2030 views the Platform as an opportunity to establish shared outcomes, strengthen accountability and track progress across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
He noted that investments in family planning extend beyond the health sector, with implications for education, economic productivity and the wellbeing of families and communities.
In a welcome address delivered on her behalf by the Director, Family Health, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Ozi, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom S. mni, said improved health outcomes require coordinated policies, aligned investments, effective partnerships and shared accountability across government.
She urged members of the Platform to focus on practical actions that would strengthen collaboration and translate shared priorities into measurable results.
“Let us use this platform to move beyond discussions to concrete, coordinated and measurable actions,” she said.
The Federal Government and participating stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration, coordinated investment and measurable action to strengthen family planning, improve health outcomes and accelerate human capital development for a healthier, more productive and prosperous Nigeria.
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