Threat of number.

PIP: Population growth in Nigeria is particularly problematic because population is expected to increase dramatically from 115 million to 280 million in 25 years. At present there are 206 million in the entire West African sub-region. The population density issues within Nigeria and the region are also reasons for concern. About 50% of Nigeria's population is presently under 20 years old, and the likelihood of this proportion continuing for some time is very high. Population growth will mean increased demand for housing, food, health services, education, electricity, and water. The UN has issued warnings that population pressures strain scarce resources, the environment, and people's adjustment. A national population policy was established in order to improve the standard of living of Nigerians and to promote health and welfare among the population. The policy aims to lower population growth through voluntary family planning and through reductions in infant, child, and maternal mortality. In 1989 the Nigerian government in conjunction with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) committed about $100 million in a 5-year program to strengthen family planning: $33 million from Nigeria and $67 million from USAID. The federal Ministry of Health would maintain family health services with integrated primary health care and with promotion of the balance between resources and number of children. Other international efforts have contributed to family planning programs. For example, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria focused on adult males and youth. Oral contraceptives and injectables have received criticism in Nigeria for having undesirable health consequences despite their popularity worldwide, the absence of significant side effects, and international and national support. Vasectomy is becoming more popular in Oyo state. Family planning has not been popular because of many misconceptions. Both Muslim and Catholic leaders have encouraged responsible parenthood, although Catholic leaders reject contraception.^ieng

Yes, father, but.

PIP: Cultural norms limit the ability of Nigerian women to exercise control over their reproductive lives. Having a large number of children in rapid succession is still regarded as an act of obedience to God and husband. The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria has opened clinics to educate women about the risks to both mother and child inherent in having more than four births. Family planning workers are aware, however, that little change will occur in the absence of improvements in women's status and involvement by men in educational programs. Also needed is education to reduce the preference for sons. Encouraging is a trend toward contraceptive use among professional women in Nigeria. In the past decade, contraceptive prevalence has increased from 5% to 10%.^ieng