This newsletter presents the highlights of the high-level UNFPA and DfID joint advocacy visit to Nigeria during which the UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin and the DfID Permanent secretary, Mr. Mark Lowcock made an investment case for Family Planning; stating that it is the single most cost effective strategy for sustainable economic development. This visit benefited from close coordination between UNFPA Supplies, UNFPA Nigeria, the Division of Communications and Strategic Partnership alongside the West and Central Africa Regional Office.

Mark Lowcock reiterated the support of the British Government to support Nigeria to surmount the current challenges it faces in increasing quality access to contraceptive services. In addition, he promised to work with other partners to increase funding if Nigeria can show increased commitment through domestic funding for family planning services in the country; reiterating the need for the continuous investment on essential and life-saving commodities in line with all the commitments made by the Nigerian government, including commitments made at the London Family Planning Summit of 2012 as well as United Nations Commission on Life Saving Commodities.

Watch the video report that was prepared for TV5 Monde: https://youtu.be/wkjGIkEEymk