FG Unveils 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey in Abuja
October 18, 2025 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Federal Government has officially launched the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), marking a major milestone in the nation’s efforts to improve health policy through data-driven decision-making. The event took place in Abuja on October 18, 2025, with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, presiding over the formal unveiling of the report.
The NDHS is Nigeria’s most comprehensive national health and demographic assessment tool, providing critical insights into the country’s population health indicators, including fertility, child mortality, maternal health, family planning, and nutrition. The 2024 edition reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to monitoring and improving public health outcomes across the nation.
Among the key findings from the 2024 survey is a notable decline in under-five mortality, now recorded at 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 132 per 1,000 in the 2018 survey. Additionally, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has decreased from 5.3 children per woman in 2018 to 4.8 in 2024 — a significant demographic shift with implications for national development planning.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Salako emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data in shaping health policies and programs. He described the NDHS as a “vital national asset” and called on stakeholders to ensure the findings are translated into meaningful action at all levels of government.
“The progress reflected in this survey shows that we are moving in the right direction,” Dr. Salako stated. “But it also highlights the need to build a modern, responsive, and equitable health system that meets the needs of every Nigerian.”
Representatives from the National Population Commission (NPC), international development partners, and key health sector stakeholders were also present at the event. They praised the integrity and scope of the survey, and reiterated the need for all tiers of government to act on the data.
The NPC leadership and implementing partners urged state governments to adopt the NDHS findings as a tool for reform, innovation, and targeted interventions, especially in underserved communities. They also emphasized that the data should inform the development of policies aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality, improving family planning services, and strengthening the health workforce.
With the unveiling of the 2024 NDHS, Nigeria now has updated, reliable data to guide its health policies through the rest of the decade, as the nation continues its pursuit of universal health coverage and sustainable development.
