The federal government has called for innovative financing to fund demographic and infrastructure development in the country to cater for the needs of its citizens.
Speaking during the launch of the 13th Annual Population Lecture Series (APLS 13) report, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, said the country should adopt blended financing models such as population bonds, effective utilization of diaspora remittances, and expansion of health insurance coverage to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure in strengthening infrastructures for its different demographics.
He noted that development partner contributions, which currently stand at about 11.6 percent of national health expenditure, are becoming increasingly uncertain due to shifting global priorities and there are still significant challenges in translating Nigeria’s youthful population into economic advantage, particularly due to gaps in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
“Persistent limitations in census implementation and incomplete coverage of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system due to funding gaps continue to affect data reliability. There is a need to strengthen and fully operationalize structures responsible for population management and policy coordination at the national and subnational levels.”
“We are also supporting at least 1,000 youth-led social enterprises by the third quarter of 2026, particularly in areas related to health, data innovation, and community development. These priorities align directly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its emphasis on economic inclusion, youth empowerment, institutional reform, and sustainable development financing,” he said.