By Alexander Chiejina, Nigeria Health Watch

Strengthening Planning and Accountability for Nigeria’s Family Planning Goals

At the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference 2024, experts highlighted the critical link between effective planning and budget monitoring for achieving family planning goals. Speakers stressed that Nigeria's planning processes must improve to ensure budgets are accurately implemented and resources are directed to areas of greatest need.

"In Nigeria, our planning is not yet 100%, and if our planning is not 100%, budget monitoring cannot be 100%! Until we improve this, we cannot get it right," one speaker emphasized, underlining the importance of refining the nation’s planning frameworks.

Family planning was lauded as the most cost-effective socio-economic development strategy, with profound implications for population management, health outcomes, and economic stability. Another speaker called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to hold government officials accountable for their family planning commitments, equating such accountability to grassroots campaign promises like road construction.

Prioritizing family planning, they argued, is not only a health issue but a cornerstone for sustainable development in Nigeria. It addresses population growth challenges, enhances maternal and child health, and fosters economic growth.

The session was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to advocate for improved planning, budget monitoring, and accountability in family planning initiatives. By ensuring these processes work seamlessly, Nigeria can accelerate progress toward its FP2030 goals and unlock transformative socio-economic benefits.

Stay tuned for more community-driven, community-inspired reporting from the 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, taking place December 3–6, 2024.