UNFPA: Economic Hardship and Housing Costs Are Keeping Many Nigerian Youth Single

The United Nations Population Fund says economic hardship and housing costs are keeping many Nigerian young people single, even though most still hope to marry and have children. At the 2026 World Population Day commemoration, the agency said its survey found that unemployment, underemployment, insecurity, rising living costs and unequal access to education and healthcare are limiting young people's ability to plan for family life. Many respondents reportedly see marriage as their ideal relationship, while two children is the preferred family size in many regions. The National Population Commission noted that about 70 percent of Nigerians are under 30. It said this large youth population could drive innovation and economic growth, but only if leaders make meaningful investments in jobs, housing, healthcare, childcare and other support systems.

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