The National Population Commission (NPC) has identified food security, education, good value system, and good health among others as prerequisites for effective and sustainable development.

Its Chairman, Mr Festus Odimegwu, said this in his keynote address at a retreat held for States Commissioners of the Commission in Abuja.

Odimegwu said the quality of life of the people would improve, if 16 key issues were well managed, adding that the Commission would leave no stone unturned to ensure the evolution of an effective National Population Policy.

“Based on the charge from Mr President during our inauguration to innovate effective population management strategies that are specifically relevant to the Nigerian condition, 16 key issues have been identified, that if well managed, the quality (of life) of our people will surely improve and quantity aspects will self- regulate, while implanting our population as our greatest asset.

“We need to take population management beyond mere statistics or just figure. This retreat should therefore work out how best to address and synergise these 16 identified issues to improve the quality of our population as both an end and as a means of further national greatness.

“These issues include: resolving historical issues that divide us; putting Nigeria first before tribe and religion; ensuring food security, nutrition, sanitation, and good health services.

“Ensuring good education at all levels and ensuring good value system by religious, traditional and cultural leaders.’’

Odimegwu said the Commission was determined to make a positive difference in population management in the country.

He urged participants to pay attention to all deliberations at the workshop and bring to bear good and diverse experiences to enrich the quality of deliberations and recommendations.

Similarly, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said population was not only a critical element, but also a driving force for national planning and sustainable development.

Anyim, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Dr Jamila Shuara said population size, dynamics, and control had great implications for the development process of any nation.

He added that effective management of the nation’s population was not just an issue of choice, but an absolute necessity.

Anyim said that accurate population figures were an important prerequisite for present and future development of the country.

The 2013 retreat, with the theme: “Effective Population Management for Sustainable Development”, was organised in collaboration with Health Policy Project, USAID and UNFPA, to deliberate on effective population management in the country.