Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria is grappling with a rapidly growing population expected to reach 377 million by 2050, exacerbating existing challenges in healthcare, education, and economic development. Experts and community members say limited access to family planning services, coupled with cultural and religious barriers, are major contributors to the country’s high fertility rate.
Philomena Okoduwa, a mother of six, regrets not using contraception earlier. The strain of supporting her family on a meager income has underscored the challenges faced by many Nigerian women.
With a fertility rate of 5.3 births per woman, far exceeding the global average, Nigeria faces a significant public health crisis. A staggering 23% of married women lack access to contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Religious beliefs and cultural norms often impede family planning adoption. Christian cleric Cannon Dauda explains that some people believe having as many children as possible is God’s will. Family planning advocate Ejike Orji highlights the scarcity of contraceptives as a major obstacle, with ongoing shortages across the country.
The economic consequences of high fertility are dire, according to Abuja-based economist Paul Alaje. Limited resources, coupled with a rapidly growing population, exacerbate poverty, hunger, and educational challenges, particularly affecting women and children.
While the Nigerian government aims to increase contraceptive use, experts emphasize the need for significantly increased funding and improved access to services. They argue that empowering women through family planning is crucial for reducing maternal mortality and fostering national development.
