Unveiling the Financial Burden of Nigeria's High Birth Rates through X-ray Analysis

In Ethiopia, a significant reduction in the fertility rate has been achieved, going from 6.4 in the 1990s to about 4.0 in 2020, largely due to investments in female education and family planning services. This progress was made possible through a strategic approach that could serve as a model for other countries, particularly Nigeria, where the fertility rate remains a pressing concern.

Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population, is yet to harness the "demographic dividend," as rapid population growth outpaces economic gains, keeping millions trapped in poverty. The World Bank's warning is clear: high fertility rates strain resources for education, healthcare, and jobs, creating a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break.

One factor contributing to Nigeria's high birth rate is adolescent fertility. One in five Nigerian girls has her first child before the age of 18. This early childbearing not only compromises the health and education of the girls but also puts additional strain on the healthcare system.

The funding deficit for family planning in Nigeria has grown steadily, from 12.1 million dollars in 2021 to 25 million in 2022. Civil society organisations have called on the government to do more than make pledges to address the funding gap for family planning.

However, there are promising signs. Kaduna State, for instance, has seen a rise in contraceptive uptake above the national average through partnerships with development partners and strong political commitment.

In spite of cultural norms that often view large families as a sign of wealth and strength, stakeholders believe that Nigeria can achieve similar results if policies are backed with strong funding and community buy-in. Sheikh Abdullahi Musa, an Islamic cleric in Kano, believes that Islam encourages responsibility in childbearing, and spacing children for the health of the mother is allowed and encouraged in Islam.

Experts warn that high fertility in Nigeria is a national challenge, as the country's population grows by more than 5 million people each year. Bridging the rural-urban divide is critical to reducing fertility nationwide, according to experts. Women in the North-West region of Nigeria have an average of 6.7 children, compared with 4.4 in the South-West.

The average birth rate for Nigerian women, according to the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), is 5.3. This is more than double the global replacement level of 2.1 births per woman needed to sustain a stable population.

Family planning, according to Mrs Grace Okon, a midwife in Cross River State, would reduce pressure on the healthcare system and improve care for mothers. However, the high patient-to-midwife ratio in Nigeria's healthcare system presents a significant challenge. One nurse sometimes handles four women in labor at once.

The funding for family planning commodities and services in Nigeria has fallen short of the resources required to achieve the National Family Planning Blueprint (2020-2024) and Nigeria's FP2030 commitments. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provided 2 billion Naira for family planning supplies in Nigeria in 2024, which was less than the required resources for the National Family Planning Blueprint and FP2030 commitments.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Dr Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, acknowledged the challenges but said the government is committed to expanding access to modern contraceptives. A 2022 study in BMC Women's Health found that socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and lack of access to contraception remain powerful drivers of high fertility in Nigeria.

Addressing Nigeria's high fertility rate is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring a sustainable future for the country. The government, civil society, and religious leaders must work together to ensure that family planning services are accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, particularly women in rural areas and adolescent girls.

Unveiling the Financial Burden of Nigeria's High Birth Rates through X-ray Analysis