President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level committee tasked with overseeing the upcoming national population and housing census, giving it a three-week deadline to submit an interim report. The committee’s formation marks a crucial step towards the first census in Nigeria since 2006, which recorded a population of 140.4 million people, with 71.3 million males and 69.1 million females.
During the inauguration, held at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the significance of the census in national development, stating that it would play an essential role in planning for key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and the economy. He stressed that accurate data from the census would be vital for effective decision-making and long-term development.
The President also emphasized the importance of utilizing modern technology in the census process to ensure credible and verifiable results. He noted that a technology-driven approach was now necessary, particularly with the inclusion of biometrics and digitalization, as circumstances have changed since the last exercise nearly two decades ago. Tinubu urged the committee to work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, as funding and resource mobilization will be critical to the success of the census.
“I expect the committee to focus on the technological aspects of the census, ensuring it is driven by modern tools to ensure accuracy and transparency,” President Tinubu said. He also urged the committee to consider both domestic and international sources of funding to support the exercise.
The President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, represented him at the event, while Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, chairs the newly formed committee. Bagudu assured the President that the committee would meet its three-week deadline for the interim report, which will provide recommendations on the process and resources needed for the full census.
In his remarks, Bagudu recalled President Tinubu’s advice to ministers in 2003 to think creatively and leverage available resources despite economic challenges. He expressed optimism that, under Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is steadily progressing despite global economic difficulties, pointing to improvements in foreign exchange stability and a positive economic growth outlook.
The committee will also explore ways to secure funding for the census, both from local and international sources. Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, a member of the committee, emphasized the need for accurate data, saying that a credible census is foundational for effective planning across all sectors.
Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), who will serve as the committee’s Secretary, assured the public that preparations for the census are already underway. He stated that the NPC has been collaborating with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other key stakeholders to ensure that all requirements are identified and necessary groundwork is laid for a successful census. Kwarra reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to ensuring that the process is transparent, technology-driven, and credible, with the goal of supporting effective national planning.
The eight-member committee includes key officials such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations.
As the committee sets to work, Nigerians are hopeful that the forthcoming census will provide the data necessary for the country’s growth and development, enabling the government to make informed decisions in critical areas.
