"The census is a powerful tool for measuring the progress and development of a nation. It provides essential information that guides economic and social policies, ensuring that resources are distributed fairly and effectively."
• John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States
DAILY COURIER - Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, faces a significant issue: over 60% of its population remains unaccounted for. The last census was conducted in 2006, and since then, the country has experienced rapid growth, urbanization, and migration. The absence of a comprehensive census has far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors of the economy, including healthcare, education, infrastructure development, political representation, the economy, business, social welfare, and the environment.
Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary-General captured it succinctly when he said that: "A population census is an indispensable tool for development planning and for monitoring the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Accurate data on population size, distribution, and characteristics are essential for informed policy-making and effective resource allocation."
A year into the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated. Accurate population data is critical to driving effective policies and ensuring equitable development. Without a new census, the government risks perpetuating inefficiencies and inequities that could undermine its efforts to foster progress and stability.
Healthcare: Invisible Patients
In Nigeria, the healthcare sector struggles significantly due to the lack of accurate population data. Hospitals and clinics are often overwhelmed, lacking the necessary facilities and personnel to meet the needs of the populace. Poor health outcomes are common, as medical services cannot be adequately planned or distributed.
Furthermore, without proper data, disease surveillance and response are severely compromised. This means outbreaks can spread unchecked, and public health initiatives cannot be tailored to the actual needs of the population, leaving many without necessary care.
Education: Ghost Students
The education sector in Nigeria also suffers from the lack of reliable population data. Schools are overcrowded, with inadequate infrastructure to support the number of students. Teacher shortages are rampant, and learning materials are insufficient, leading to poor educational outcomes.
Inefficient resource allocation means that funds and supplies are not directed where they are most needed.
As a result, many children do not receive the quality education they deserve, limiting their future opportunities and the country's development potential.
Infrastructure Development: Building in the Dark
Urban planning and infrastructure development are critically hampered by the absence of up-to-date population data. This has led to inadequate housing, with many Nigerians living in overcrowded and substandard conditions. Roads are congested, and public services are stretched thin.
Efficient urban planning becomes nearly impossible without knowing the true population figures, resulting in haphazard development that cannot sustain the growing needs of the populace.
This lack of infrastructure directly impacts the quality of life and hampers economic progress.
Political Representation: The Silent Majority
Accurate population data is essential for fair political representation. Without it, electoral boundaries are drawn inaccurately, leading to unequal representation. Large segments of the population are disenfranchised, and political marginalization becomes a significant issue.
Inaccurate constituency boundaries undermine the democratic process, leaving many without a voice in government. This lack of representation can lead to unrest and a sense of injustice among the populace, further destabilizing the nation.
Economy: Invisible Workforce
Nigeria's economy faces numerous challenges due to the lack of accurate labor market data. This impacts job creation, as policies cannot be effectively tailored to meet the actual employment needs. Resource allocation is inefficient, and economic growth is unoptimized. Without a clear understanding of the workforce, it becomes difficult to implement strategies that promote sustainable economic development. This hampers Nigeria's ability to leverage its demographic dividend, limiting the country's overall economic potential.
Business: Blind Investments
For businesses, the absence of accurate population data translates to insufficient market research and inaccurate consumer data. This leads to inefficient resource allocation and unoptimized business growth. Companies are unable to make informed decisions about where to invest or how to market their products and services. This uncertainty makes it difficult for businesses to thrive, stifling innovation and economic progress. Blind investments can lead to significant financial losses and missed opportunities for growth.
Social Welfare: Unseen Vulnerables
Social welfare programs in Nigeria are also compromised by the lack of accurate population data. Inaccurate poverty rates mean that many vulnerable populations are overlooked. Insufficient social services and inefficient resource allocation leave these groups without the support they need. This results in unoptimized social welfare programs that fail to address the real needs of the population. Without accurate data, it is impossible to develop and implement effective strategies to combat poverty and support those in need.
Environment: Unmapped Resources
Environmental conservation efforts are severely undermined by the lack of accurate data. Insufficient natural resource management and inaccurate environmental data lead to inefficient resource allocation. This hampers conservation strategies and puts Nigeria's natural resources at risk.
Without knowing the true extent of the population and its impact on the environment, it is difficult to develop sustainable practices that protect the country's rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Unoptimized environmental conservation efforts threaten long-term ecological balance and the well-being of future generations.
Conclusion
"The population census is the backbone of an open government. Without it, we would be flying blind, making decisions based on guesswork rather than facts."
• David McCullough, Historian and Author
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration doubles on its efforts to chart a course for Nigeria's future, the need for a comprehensive census has never been more critical. Nigeria's failure to conduct a census has profound and far-reaching consequences, affecting various sectors of the economy and the daily lives of its citizens. The invisible population remains unaccounted for, their needs unmet, and their voices unheard. It is imperative that the government prioritizes a comprehensive census to address the country's pressing challenges and ensure equitable development for all.
Only then can Nigeria truly harness its demographic dividend and unlock its full potential. Conducting a census is not just about counting people; it is about recognizing and meeting the needs of every Nigerian, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
• 'Seun Ibukun-Oni is an Abuja based journalist and can be reached via email: seunoni@gatepolls.com
