Nigeria’s population crisis: How family planning can break the cycle of poverty

By Oluwatoyin Hawal Momolosho

On the bustling streets of Lagos, a mother of two sat by the roadside, pleading for alms—her pregnant belly a silent testament to her unrelenting hardship. Despite her struggles, another child was on the way. Mrs. Zainab Abdulazeez, a nurse and graduate of a nursing college in Sokoto State, recounted the woman’s story—a heartbreaking reflection of millions of Nigerian families caught in the relentless grip of poverty.

“As a young nurse specializing in family planning and other aspects related to pregnancy, the moment I saw this woman, I moved closer to her. What I saw was a hopeless woman who had no one to take care of her. But who is the person who keeps getting her pregnant?” Zainab asked herself. “I couldn’t help her. She looked like a mad person. I just gave what I could and left the vicinity,” she said.

Nigeria, with a population exceeding 400 million, faces a crisis that goes beyond mere numbers. The country’s resources are stretched thin, and poverty remains deeply entrenched. While some view having many children as a blessing, for families struggling to survive, the reality is far different. The economic burden of raising children, coupled with limited access to healthcare and education, has left many unable to break free from poverty. In the face of this crisis, family planning has emerged as a possible solution—one that could alter the fate of millions. Yet, despite its potential benefits, it remains a subject of debate.

Action Taken by Osun State Governor

Governor Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, on February 14, took a bold step in addressing one of the consequences of unplanned pregnancies—the spread of sexually transmitted infections and the increased risk to maternal health. On Valentine’s Day, his administration launched an initiative to distribute free condoms and lubricants across strategic locations, including malls and lounges. The move, aimed at promoting safe sex practices, sparked widespread discussions. While some applauded it as progressive, others questioned whether it truly addressed the root of the problem.

Olusegun Daramola, Executive Secretary of the Osun State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (O-SACA), defended the initiative, emphasizing its role in preventing unwanted pregnancies and protecting individuals from HIV/AIDS. “Let’s share love, not disease,” he stated, encouraging residents to take advantage of the free resources.

Family Planning as Empowerment

Beyond safe sex campaigns, the discussion around family planning extends deeper into issues of empowerment, health, and economic stability. In Lagos, Mrs. Olohuntoba, a medical practitioner with years of experience in reproductive health at Geo Medical Center, describes family planning as more than just contraception. “It is empowerment,” she asserted. “It gives families the ability to choose when to have children, how many to have, and how to provide them with a better future.”

She outlined various family planning options—injectables, implants, pills, intrauterine devices, condoms, and natural methods—each tailored to meet different needs. “It’s not about stopping childbirth,” she clarified. “It’s about giving families the chance to thrive, not just survive.”

Statistics

Data from Nigeria’s Family Planning Blueprint paints a telling picture. As of 2018, over 6.2 million women were using modern contraceptive methods, with more than 1.7 million additional users since 2012, when FP2020 commitments were made. In 2017 alone, family planning efforts helped prevent over two million unintended pregnancies, 735,000 unsafe abortions, and 12,000 maternal deaths. Recognizing these advances, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with international partners, committed to achieving a modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) of 30% among all women by 2020. It also pledged to increase its annual allocation for contraceptives to $4 million.

According to the latest data, Nigeria’s modern contraceptive prevalence rate stands at 16.3%, a notable increase from previous years, but still short of the 27% target set for 2030.

Religious Perspectives on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Planning

For many women, the benefits of family planning go beyond preventing unintended pregnancies. Mrs. Olohuntoba emphasized three key advantages. “Family planning allows for childbirth spacing, giving mothers time to recover and care for their existing children,” she explained. It also reduces complications during pregnancy and labour, improving maternal health outcomes. Additionally, it eases the financial burden on families, allowing them to plan for their children’s future. Her insights underscore the role of family planning in promoting not just health, but financial stability and overall well-being.

Despite the evident advantages, cultural and religious beliefs often pose barriers to widespread acceptance. In many parts of Nigeria, discussions around contraception remain taboo, with deep-seated beliefs that children are gifts from God and should not be prevented. Misinformation about contraceptives also fuels skepticism, with some fearing they cause infertility or health complications.

An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ibrahim Ridwanullahi, has affirmed that family planning is permissible in Islam under specific conditions. He explained that it is allowed when a man cannot bear the financial or social responsibilities of raising a child or when a woman’s health is at risk.

“This practice existed during the Prophet’s time,” he said, referencing an incident where the Prophet permitted a man to use ‘azl (coitus interruptus), while reminding him that “what Allah has decreed will still come to pass.”

Ustaz Ibrahim concluded, “Family planning is allowed in Islam under certain circumstances; nevertheless, it must be approached with the understanding that the divine plan will ultimately prevail.”

Also, Christian expert Hephzibah Grace Aduragbemi argues that contraception contradicts biblical teachings, citing God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply.” She supports natural methods like ovulation tracking and urges believers to trust in prayer: “If one prays with faith not to conceive, God can answer.”

While some Christians stick to natural methods, others turn to modern contraception for health and parenting reasons.

Deborah Makinde, a 35-year-old Christian mother, faced an unplanned twin pregnancy despite using natural methods. “Family planning gave me control and peace,” she said, after opting for tubal ligation.

Medical Experts Weigh In

While Mrs. Tobiloba addressed these concerns, Dr. Kingsley, a medical expert at Geo Hospital specializing in family planning, stressed the importance of communication. “Family planning is a joint decision,” he said. “Couples should discuss their goals and options together.” For young girls, he offered a different perspective. “Abstinence is a powerful choice,” he advised. “Delaying sexual activity until one is ready can have many benefits, including avoiding unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.”