Nigeria’s population is expected to reach 377 million by 2050. This shows a big need for reproductive health services. But cultural and religious barriers often make it hard to access contraception. This causes economic and maternal health problems.

Philomena Okoduwa understands this struggle. She was once against family planning. Now, she supports six children with her small income from petty trading. She regrets not using family planning earlier.

“Things are very bad for us,” she said. “Even basic needs are a struggle. I wish I knew about family planning earlier. I wouldn’t have had so many children, maybe just two or three.”

The World Bank reports Nigeria’s fertility rate is 5.3 births per woman, much higher than the global average. The Guttmacher Institute says 23% of married women lack contraception.

Religion, culture, and limited access are barriers.

Cannon Dauda, a Christian cleric, and Ejike Orji, a family planning advocate, explain these factors.

“Some believe you give birth as much as you can, and God will provide for them,” Dauda said.

Orji says Nigerians struggle to find contraceptives.

“Nigerian women want family planning but can’t get the services,” he said. “The federal government didn’t fund contraceptive purchases, so they are out of stock across the country.”

The 2024 World Population Day promotes family planning as a human right. Orji stresses that lack of birth control violates women’s rights and harms maternal health.

“Without proper family planning, women have pregnancies they don’t want,” he said. “Frequent pregnancies harm women’s health, especially if they are sub-anemic. Proper planning services can stop this.”

High fertility rates also hurt Nigeria’s economy.

Economist Paul Alaje warns of the consequences.

“In Nigeria, where resources are scarce, high fertility rates can be a disaster,” he said. “There are millions of out-of-school children and high poverty, especially among women and children.”

Family planning funding is inadequate. The Nigerian government plans to increase contraceptive use from 19% to 27%, but more resources are needed.

Experts say better funding and access can reduce maternal mortality and empower women and the nation.

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Nigeria’s Population Growth and Family Planning Needs

Nigeria’s population is expected to reach 377 million by 2050. This shows a big need for reproductive health services. But cultural and religious barriers often make it hard to access contraception. This causes economic and maternal health problems.

Philomena Okoduwa understands this struggle. She was once against family planning. Now, she supports six children with her small income from petty trading. She regrets not using family planning earlier.

“Things are very bad for us,” she said. “Even basic needs are a struggle. I wish I knew about family planning earlier. I wouldn’t have had so many children, maybe just two or three.”

The World Bank reports Nigeria’s fertility rate is 5.3 births per woman, much higher than the global average. The Guttmacher Institute says 23% of married women lack contraception.

Religion, culture, and limited access are barriers.

Cannon Dauda, a Christian cleric, and Ejike Orji, a family planning advocate, explain these factors.

“Some believe you give birth as much as you can, and God will provide for them,” Dauda said.

Orji says Nigerians struggle to find contraceptives.

“Nigerian women want family planning but can’t get the services,” he said. “The federal government didn’t fund contraceptive purchases, so they are out of stock across the country.”

The 2024 World Population Day promotes family planning as a human right. Orji stresses that lack of birth control violates women’s rights and harms maternal health.

“Without proper family planning, women have pregnancies they don’t want,” he said. “Frequent pregnancies harm women’s health, especially if they are sub-anemic. Proper planning services can stop this.”

High fertility rates also hurt Nigeria’s economy.

Economist Paul Alaje warns of the consequences.

“In Nigeria, where resources are scarce, high fertility rates can be a disaster,” he said. “There are millions of out-of-school children and high poverty, especially among women and children.”

Family planning funding is inadequate. The Nigerian government plans to increase contraceptive use from 19% to 27%, but more resources are needed.

Experts say better funding and access can reduce maternal mortality and empower women and the nation.