Jigawa Stakeholders Strategize to Achieve Demographic Dividend
By Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with the UKaid-funded LAFIYA project, has organized a workshop aimed at engaging stakeholders on strategies to achieve the Demographic Dividend (DD) in Jigawa State.
The Director of NPC in Jigawa State, Kassim D. Muhammad, stated that the two-day workshop seeks to orient participants on the revised National Population Policy and foster a comprehensive understanding of the concept of Demographic Dividend and its multi-sectoral nature. The workshop also aims to explain basic demographic concepts and highlight critical issues in selected sectors.
Muhammad emphasized the importance of reducing fertility rates, promoting effective socio-economic policies, investing in education and human capital development, and ensuring good governance to achieve the DD agenda.
“The role of NPC, other MDAs, and participants in implementing the Demographic Dividend agenda at the state and community levels is vital,” he noted.
Key stakeholders engaged in the workshop include traditional and religious leaders, representatives from the ministries of health, education, and women’s affairs, as well as other MDAs. These stakeholders are expected to design strategic plans and implement them at grassroots and community levels.
In his presentation, Dr. Musa Sani Zakirai, a DD expert, identified key drivers of demographic transition, such as industrialization, urbanization, education, women’s empowerment, and socio-economic development. According to him, addressing these factors can lead to reduced maternal mortality, improved hygiene, and advancements in medicine.
Dr. Zakirai also highlighted factors influencing fertility rates, including early marriage, low contraceptive use, a preference for large families, gendered child preferences, competition among co-wives, religious opposition, and concerns about healthcare.
“To ensure a smooth demographic transition and achieve the Demographic Dividend in Jigawa and Nigeria at large, we must control population growth, expand access to family planning, improve maternal and child health programs, enhance WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives, improve infrastructure, and promote quality education,” he stated.
