Nigeria’s fertility rate drops to 4.8 births per woman — Minister

Nigeria’s fertility rate has declined from 5.3 children per woman in 2018 to 4.8 in 2024, according to the latest Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, revealed this on Friday in Abuja during the launch of the 2024 NDHS Report, describing the drop as a major demographic shift in five years.

Salako said the improvement reflects growing access to and use of family planning services nationwide.

“Modern contraceptive use among married women rose to 15% in 2023 from 12% in 2018, while satisfied demand for family planning reached 37%,” he said.

The report also shows positive trends in maternal and child health. Antenatal coverage now stands at 63%, skilled birth attendance at 46%, and postnatal care within two days of delivery increased from 38% to 42%.

Under-five mortality fell from 132 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 110 in 2024, though neonatal mortality slightly worsened from 39 to 41 per 1,000.

“More work is needed to cut neonatal deaths, which make up nearly half of under-five mortality,” Salako added.

He noted that the government is addressing these challenges through initiatives such as the Maternal and Maternal Fatality Reduction Initiative and the Nigerian Child Survivor Act (2023–2025).

Executive Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, said the NDHS remains vital for understanding population trends and guiding policies in health, nutrition, and education.

World Bank Senior Health Specialist, Dr Ritgak Tilly-Gyado, said the data will support evidence-based policymaking in key sectors.

The 2024 NDHS — the sixth since 1999 — covered 42,000 households across Nigeria between December 2023 and May 2024.