2024 Population Day: UNFPA advocates inclusive data for equitable development

The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, Nigeria has called for comprehensive data capturing to ensure the identification and empowerment of marginalised populations.

This is as the Fund stressed on the crucial role of inclusive data in protecting human rights and fostering equitable development.

The Gender/Reproductive Health Analyst of UNFPA Nigeria Deborah Tabara made the call at the 2024 celebration of the World Population Day held at the State Secretariat in Bauchi.

According to her, it is a time to identify who remains uncounted, understand why, and consider the costs to individuals, societies, and global efforts to ensure no one is left 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 stated 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”.

Earlier in his remark, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra explained how available data can be utilised by decision-makers to shape policies, direct actions, advise on development options and permits governments to be held accountable in such a way that truly reflects the needs of everyone.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” Kwarra said the it 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).