ABUJA, Nigeria – 17 February 2026 – A strategic meeting between Prof. Joseph Akinkugbe Adelegan, Executive Director of Partners in Population and Development (PPD), and Ms. Muriel Mafico, the UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, has paved the way for a deeper and more dynamic collaboration. The meeting, held on 16th February 2026, during the Executive Director’s official mission to Nigeria, moved beyond diplomatic courtesies to identify concrete areas for joint action.
Prof. Adelegan began by introducing himself as the new head of PPD and presented a comprehensive overview of the organization’s role in fostering South-South cooperation. He highlighted PPD’s unique repository of best practices from its member countries, a point that Ms. Mafico received with significant interest. While expressing profound appreciation for the long and fruitful partnership between UNFPA and PPD, the discussion quickly progressed to tangible opportunities for future collaboration.
A key area of immediate interest is Nigeria’s upcoming Population Census. Recognizing the monumental importance of this national exercise, Ms. Mafico expressed UNFPA’s keen interest in partnering with PPD to provide technical assistance to the Nigerian government. The leaders discussed the possibility of developing a joint proposal to support the census.
The dialogue also addressed the growing global challenge of population ageing. Prof. Adelegan highlighted the successful policies and programs implemented by PPD member country China, suggesting a trilateral collaboration where PPD and Nigeria could learn from China’s experience. Further demonstrating the value of PPD’s network, Ms. Mafico expressed a strong interest in the demographic patterns across PPD’s member states, recognizing the rich data and insights that could inform regional and global development strategies.
To support this enhanced level of knowledge sharing, Prof. Adelegan briefed Ms. Mafico on PPD’s development of a new, state-of-the-art knowledge portal. This digital platform will serve as a central hub for member countries to access data, research, and best practices. The concept of establishing a “Center of Excellence” in Nigeria, similar to a model PPD is developing with Kenya, was also discussed as a mechanism to institutionalize learning and innovation.
Finally, the leaders touched upon the critical need for innovative financial mechanisms to fund population and development programs sustainably. They agreed that this is a priority area where joint advocacy and a shared evidence base could unlock new resources.
This highly productive meeting marks a significant step forward in the PPD-UNFPA partnership. Both leaders concluded with a firm commitment to continued dialogue, tasking their teams to translate these exciting opportunities into concrete, impactful programs that will benefit Nigeria and the wider Global South.
