The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has revealed that economic challenges and the rising cost of housing are preventing many young Nigerians from getting married and starting families despite their desire to do so.
Speaking during the 2026 World Population Day commemoration, the UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Muriel Mafiko, said findings from the agency’s survey show that most young people still aspire to marry and have children but are being held back by financial uncertainty.
According to Mafiko, unemployment, underemployment, high living expenses, expensive housing, insecurity and limited access to quality education and healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services, have made it difficult for many youths to confidently plan their future.
She explained that contrary to the belief that younger generations are losing interest in marriage, the survey found that marriage remains the preferred relationship choice for most respondents.
However, many of those seeking life partners remain single because they cannot afford the financial responsibilities associated with marriage and family life.
The survey also found that many young Nigerians hope to have children, with two children emerging as the preferred family size across several regions of the country.
Mafiko noted that while the desire to build families remains strong, concerns about stable income, affordable housing and the ability to adequately care for children have created uncertainty among many young adults.
She called on governments to introduce policies that give young people greater confidence in planning their futures through investments in education, healthcare, family support programmes, childcare services and parental leave.
According to her, creating opportunities that expand young people’s choices and protect their rights will enable them to make informed decisions about marriage, parenthood and their overall future.
She added that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its youthful population and stressed that empowering young people with education, innovation and economic opportunities would contribute significantly to national development.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, said about 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 30.
He described the country’s large youth population as a major asset capable of driving innovation, entrepreneurship, technological advancement and economic growth.
However, Yusuf cautioned that a youthful population alone does not automatically guarantee economic prosperity, stressing that deliberate investments in education, skills development, job creation and social welfare are necessary for Nigeria to fully benefit from its demographic advantage.
UNFPA: Economic Hardship and Housing Costs Delaying Marriage for Nigerian Youths
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