FIC Report (Sokoto State) – The Sokoto state Government, has urged the Population Association of Nigeria (PAN)to come up with new modalities that will give Nigeria accurate population data to guide leadership on the kind of provision to make for citizens.
The state Governor, Ahamed Aliyu, represented by the Sokoto state Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, made the call while declaring open, the 14th International conference of the population Association (PAN)2026,hosted by the Usmanu Danfodio University,Sokoto (UDUS)on Thursday, 12th February, 2026.
The conference had the theme, “Population Dynamics in the 21st century: “Opportunities, challenges and policies for sustainable Development”.
The Governor, stated that population dynamics play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future, “Our youth population is a major asset and blessing, offering immense opportunities for economic growth, innovations and national development if properly harnessed”, he said.
He commended the population Association of Nigeria for convening the 14th conference to deliberate on pressing issues that have a direct impact on the social, economic and political well-being of Nigerians.
Governor Aliyu emphasised the importance of accurate population data for informed decision making development planning, equitable resource allocation and monitoring progress toward delivering terminal development objectives, including sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
He explained that a growing population, if properly managed can provide a productive workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovations.
He further stated that accurate and reliable population will facilitate effective learning and stimulate economic growth, ultimately propelling Nigeria towards sustainable development.
The Governor, called on the participants of the conference to come up with modalities that will give Nigeria accurate population data to guide leadership on the kind of provision to make for citizens.
He urged all stakeholders to embrace collective action to enhance collective demographic dividends and drive sustainable development.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-General of the Nigerian supreme council for Islamic Affairs, Alh Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, urged government at all levels to invest adequately in the productive and not violent population of the country.
He emphasised that Government development partners and wealthy individuals are crucial in deriving the course for productive population growth and development.
The Sultan, stressed the urgent need to derive family initiatives to build a beneficial future for children who will become youths and leaders of tomorrow.
He noted that Islam does not prohibit giving birth to children but allows one to manage a sizeable number that can provide for their basic health and educational needs.
The National population Commission Chairman, Dr Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), stated that Nigeria’s development was unfolding within the context of sustained and significant demographic change occasioned by rapid population growth, youthful age structure accelerating urbanisation and complex patterns of intra-and international migration.
Also speaking, the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, professor Bashir Garba, said that, Nigeria’s population presents opportunities for sound and beneficial economic growth and development, though it has significant challenges. He tasked stakeholders at the conference to be reflective, catalytic and come up with evidence-driven approaches to solving population issues in Nigeria.
Signed
Ramatu Sani (Mrs),
Head of Centre,
FIC, Sokoto.
13th/02/2026.
