United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria has advocated the need for data capturing of all categories of people for identification, exercise of human rights and for them to reach their full potential.
Represented by a Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst, Deborah Tabara, UNFPA Nigeria stated this at the 2024 celebration of the World Population Day in Bauchi, where he noted that there is much to be celebrated, but still much work to be done.
The Fund noted that it is a moment to ask who is still uncounted, ask for the reason and what these may cost individuals, societies, and the global efforts so as not to leave anyone behind.
“People may be hard to reach, but no one is unreachable. To realise the rights and choices of those pushed to the margins of our societies, we have to count them because everyone counts. Our rich human tapestry is only as strong as the weakest thread”, Tabara said.
The analyst explained that when data and other systems work for those on the margins, they work for everyone, and thus determines how progress accelerates for all.
She stressed that UNFPA looks forward to continuing to strengthen collaboration with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to leave no one behind by capturing everyone.
The gender analyst further assured that the global body stands ready to support the Federal Government to harness the power of inclusive data to build resilient systems and societies while noting that this is not an end in itself; but a means to informed decision-making.
Tabara maintained that decision-makers shape policies, programmes, strategies, plans, and budgets that promote inclusivity and equality, adding that “together with you, we can forge a future where every person is counted, every community is acknowledged, and every need is addressed”.
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra had earlier in his remark noted how available data can be utilised by decision-makers to shape policies, direct actions, advise on development options and permits governments to be held to account in such a way that truly reflects the needs of everyone.
Speaking in the theme of the celebration, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” Kwarra said the theme reflects the outcome of both global and regional reviews, and evaluations of progress and achievements attained in the last three-decades of the implementation of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
“The outcome is reported at national, regional and global levels. In particular, Africa showed a dearth of data/information and sufficient evidence to explain situations, track implementation, measure achievements, extent of progress and identify benefits and improvements on peoples’ well-being or transformation.
“To demonstrate how worrisome the outcome was, the 2024 State of the World Population Report (SWOP), launched in Nigeria on April, 24th this year, dedicated its chapter three titled: “Counting Every Stitch” to highlight the importance of inclusiveness in data collection. One of the features under that chapter (pages 76-81) was on the necessity for African censuses to strive to count everyone,” Kwarra said.