Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a significant move aimed at addressing Nigeria’s demographic challenges, President Bola Tinubu has revealed plans to establish a committee to oversee the country’s first national census in nearly two decades.
The announcement came on Monday, February 24, 2025, following a high-level meeting between the President and officials of the National Population Commission (NPC), led by its Chairman, Nasir Kwarra.
The last census in Nigeria was conducted in November 2006, and subsequent attempts to hold another have been plagued by repeated delays, logistical challenges, and funding constraints. In a statement titled “Nigeria Moves Closer to Fresh Census,” the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, outlined the hurdles that have hindered the exercise over the years. These include inadequate funding, insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the political transitions that followed the 2023 general elections.
President Tinubu, expressing his determination to break the cycle of delays, declared, “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we better have a definite path.” He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the financial and logistical challenges associated with the census.
“I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?” the President stated during the meeting.
The proposed committee will be tasked with identifying sustainable funding sources, addressing logistical bottlenecks, and ensuring that the census aligns with the government’s current financial realities. Tinubu also urged the NPC to rise to the occasion and deliver an accurate and transparent census, which he described as critical for national development.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data,” the President noted.
The importance of reliable demographic data cannot be overstated. Accurate census figures are essential for effective policy-making, resource allocation, and development planning. They provide the foundation for addressing critical issues such as unemployment, food security, and infrastructure development.
The NPC has already invested in new technology to enhance the accuracy and transparency of the census process. However, the commission has faced significant challenges in recent years, including budget constraints and the impact of insecurity in various parts of the country.
President Tinubu’s announcement has been met with cautious optimism by stakeholders, who view the proposed census as a long-overdue step toward addressing Nigeria’s demographic and developmental challenges. The exercise is expected to provide a clearer picture of the country’s population, which is estimated to be over 200 million, and inform government policies aimed at improving the living conditions of Nigerians.
As the nation awaits further details on the composition and timeline of the committee, the President’s commitment to conducting a credible census has been widely applauded. The success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to secure adequate funding, ensure security during the exercise, and leverage technology to deliver accurate and reliable data.
For now, Nigerians are hopeful that the long-awaited census will finally take place, marking a new chapter in the country’s quest for sustainable development and improved governance.
