Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has issued a nationwide call for citizens without a National Identity Number to register immediately, arguing that accurate population records form the backbone of effective governance and service delivery. Speaking in a message to mark World Population Day, she emphasized that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding population makes reliable demographic data more critical than ever for planning the country’s future. Her appeal comes at a time when authorities are intensifying efforts to build a comprehensive database of all citizens.
Senator Tinubu highlighted that without accurate population statistics, government efforts to allocate resources, plan infrastructure, and deliver essential services remain fundamentally hampered. She stressed that every Nigerian has a civic responsibility to participate in the national registration exercise. “I encourage every Nigerian to register and obtain a National Identity Number if they have not done so,” she stated, framing the issue as both a patriotic duty and a practical necessity for accessing government services in an increasingly digital economy.
According to the First Lady, comprehensive population data will empower policymakers to make evidence based decisions that directly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians. She noted that accurate demographic information allows government at all levels to anticipate demand for schools, hospitals, housing, and other critical infrastructure. “Accurate population data will enable the government to plan effectively and provide essential services for Nigeria’s growing population,” she explained, linking identity registration to broader development outcomes.
Beyond the technical aspects of data collection, Mrs. Tinubu used the occasion to advocate for increased investment in human capital, particularly targeting women and young people whom she described as essential to the nation’s future prosperity. She argued that access to quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunities must remain at the forefront of national priorities. “Today I join the global community in support of our commitment to building a future where every individual, especially women and young people, have access to quality healthcare, education and opportunities to reach their full potential,” she declared.
Addressing concerns about population growth, the First Lady reframed rapid demographic expansion not as a problem but as a call to action for better planning and deeper commitment from both government institutions and individual citizens. She emphasized that population growth, when properly managed through strategic planning and investment, can become a demographic dividend rather than a burden. Her message sought to shift the narrative from anxiety about numbers to optimism about potential, provided the right policies are implemented.
Looking ahead, Senator Tinubu called for coordinated action across society to strengthen families, empower young Nigerians, and promote sustainable development that benefits future generations. “Through collective action, we can empower families, promote healthy lives, support our youth and ensure sustainable development for generations to come,” she concluded. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges and opportunities presented by its growing population, the push for universal identity registration represents a foundational step toward data driven governance and more equitable service delivery across Africa’s most populous nation.
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