Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. With a population exceeding 220 million and poised to become the third largest in the world, the nation faces immense challenges, but also unprecedented opportunities. How can well-crafted and effectively implemented policies unlock the potential for a brighter future?
In the final episode of The Leading Woman Show Season 3, we delve into the transformative power of purposeful, people-centered policies that address Nigeria’s most pressing issues, drawing insights from leading experts and global best practices. Our guests were Ekenem Isichei, the Deputy Director of Gates Foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima, the Director of MacArthur Foundation and Dr. Ejiro Otive-Igbuzor, the Executive Director, Women Empowerment & Reproductive Health Centre & Social Inclusion Expert.
Managing Nigeria’s Demographic Reality
Nigeria’s demographic explosion presents both a challenge and a call to action. With approximately 15 million children out of school and over 76% of the population struggling to meet basic food needs, the strain on infrastructure and social services is immense. The demand for classrooms, toilets, medical doctors, and teachers is staggering. The current population trajectory Is a “nightmare” waiting to unfold if proactive measures are not taken.
A key starting point is the urgent revision and enforcement of a population policy that aligns with Nigeria’s capacity to care for its people. The existing national policy, which suggests “one family, four children,” lacks clarity and relevance in a country with diverse family structures, including polygamous households. A more nuanced approach is necessary, focusing on three pillars:
- Quality Education: Ensuring every child and young person receives a high standard of education is fundamental to equipping Nigeria’s future workforce.
- Economic Opportunity: Creating jobs and fostering entrepreneurship for youth to harness their potential productively.
- Health Policy: Strengthening healthcare systems to support a growing population and improve overall wellbeing.
Without addressing these, the consequences of rapid population growth—overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient healthcare—will deepen poverty and social instability.
Addressing Gender and Disability Gaps for Inclusive Education
Education policy must also be inclusive, especially for marginalized groups. Girls constitute up to 60% of out-of-school children in Nigeria, with the highest rates concentrated in the northern regions affected by insecurity and conflict. The destruction of schools and pervasive violence have made education unsafe and inaccessible for many girls.
Moreover, persons with disabilities face significant barriers despite the 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Act. Five years after the moratorium deadline, schools and public buildings remain largely inaccessible. Essential assistive devices such as braille materials, wheelchairs, and white canes are unavailable to over 95% of persons with disabilities. This lack of infrastructure and resources severely limits their participation in education and society at large.
Inclusive education policies must translate into tangible improvements, accessible facilities, specialized learning tools, and targeted programs to ensure all Nigerians, regardless of gender or ability, can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
Women’s Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
Empowering women economically is not just a social imperative but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s progress. The recent Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, signed into law in 2023, provides a roadmap for enhancing women’s participation in the economy through 2028. However, the critical challenge remains in access to finance and credit for women entrepreneurs and young girls.
Many women in business cite lack of funding as a major barrier to growth and sustainability. Improving financial inclusion through policies that facilitate easier access to loans, credit, and financial services can unlock the potential of women-led enterprises and stimulate broader economic growth.
Revitalizing Healthcare: Addressing Systemic Weaknesses
Nigeria’s healthcare system is under immense pressure. The Health Sector Renewal Investment Program aims to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country, but implementation gaps persist. An illustrative experience highlighted a young woman, only 25 years old, about to undergo dialysis for the first time, a stark reminder of the urgent need for better healthcare access and preventive care.
Investment in primary healthcare centres, emergency services, and maternal and child health programs is vital. Innovative approaches such as Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women and food fortification initiatives can improve nutritional outcomes, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and foster healthier future generations.
Food Security and Nutrition: Building the Foundation for Growth
Food security policies play a foundational role in Nigeria’s development. Adequate nutrition from pregnancy through childhood sets the stage for cognitive development, physical health, and economic productivity. Policies must prioritize nutrient-rich diets, promote food fortification, and support agricultural innovation to ensure every Nigerian has access to sufficient and healthy food.
Implementation: The Achilles’ Heel of Nigerian Policy
Despite having several excellent policies on paper, Nigeria struggles with consistent implementation. The country has become an “archive of policies” that fail to materialize into real change due to weak public service, corruption, and lack of accountability.
Strengthening the civil service by attracting and retaining competent, well-paid professionals is critical. These “super public servants” should champion continuity and vision beyond electoral cycles, ensuring policies endure and evolve regardless of political changes.
National Gender Policy: The Road to Equality and Inclusion
The National Gender Policy is a crucial guiding document for ensuring women and marginalized groups are included in all sectors. The 2006 version mandated 35% affirmative action for women in government; a target only partially met during President Jonathan’s administration with 31%. The 2021 revision increased this goal to 50%, yet awareness and enforcement remain low.
Nigeria’s representation of women in parliament tells a troubling story: only 17 women out of 360 seats in the House of Representatives and 4 women out of 109 in the Senate currently serve. Thirteen states have no women in their state assemblies. Nigeria ranks last among 54 Sub-Saharan African countries in women’s parliamentary representation.
Resistance to gender equality bills and constitutional reforms further hampers progress. For example, the constitution’s provision that a married girl is deemed an adult effectively endorses child marriage, a practice Nigeria has the highest rates of in West Africa. This legal inconsistency undermines efforts to protect girls and promote their education and wellbeing.
Global Best Practices: Learning From Others
Looking beyond Nigeria’s borders offers valuable lessons. Countries like India have implemented innovative policies such as the Aadhaar system—a unique identification number for every citizen that streamlines access to healthcare, financial services, and social welfare while reducing corruption and inefficiency.
Effective child spacing policies in productive economies prioritize maternal health and economic participation, balancing population growth with sustainable development. Rwanda, Togo, and others demonstrate how digital public infrastructure can improve service delivery and empower vulnerable populations.
Inspiring Nigeria’s Youth Through Hope and Empowerment
Despite the challenges, there is profound hope rooted in Nigeria’s youthful population. Approximately 60% of Nigerians are under 25, representing a dynamic and creative force capable of driving transformation.
Young people are encouraged to identify their unique gifts and purpose, whether in technology, arts, entrepreneurship, or advocacy. Collaboration and continuous learning are keys to success, as is resilience in the face of adversity. Even in difficult circumstances, small efforts shine brightly, and Nigeria’s youth have repeatedly demonstrated boldness and ambition on global stages.
One inspiring story recounts a journey from a remote village with minimal infrastructure to attaining a PhD abroad and leading a major foundation in Nigeria. This narrative exemplifies the power of perseverance, education, and vision.
Closing Thoughts: Investing in Nigeria’s Digital and Human Capital
The future of Nigeria hinges on investing in its young people and the digital economy. With the right infrastructure, education, and policy support, Nigeria can become a global outsourcing hub, leveraging its English language advantage and vibrant youth population.
However, this requires political will, consistent policy implementation, and a concerted effort to eradicate corruption that siphons resources away from critical sectors like health and education. Primary healthcare centers, often the first point of contact for most Nigerians, remain dilapidated due to mismanagement and neglect.
Ultimately, every Nigerian is called to find their purpose and contribute to the nation’s progress, whether through health, agriculture, technology, or social inclusion. Collective action, grounded in effective policies and genuine commitment, can transform Nigeria’s future and fulfill the dreams of its people.
As we look ahead, let us remember that thoughtful, purpose-driven policy is not just an abstract concept—it is the foundation upon which lasting change is built. By learning from best practices, addressing our unique challenges, and empowering all citizens, Nigeria can realize its vast potential and become a beacon of hope and prosperity in Africa and beyond.
