Nineteen years after the last census, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a special panel to plan the long-overdue population and housing count.
At the Presidential Villa yesterday, Tinubu tasked the newly assembled high-level committee to submit an interim report within three weeks, stressing the urgency of credible, technology-driven enumeration to guide Nigeria’s development efforts.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, is expected to coordinate with relevant agencies and explore both domestic and international funding options to ensure the success of the exercise.
“The enumeration must be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation,” Tinubu noted, urging the team to work closely with the Budget Ministry, as accurate population data is crucial for effective fiscal planning.
NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who serves as the committee’s secretary, confirmed that preparations are underway. He said the Commission is collaborating with stakeholders to lay the foundation necessary for an informed presidential decision on the census date.
Despite the renewed push, many Nigerians remain sceptical. Stakeholders cite the country’s current economic hardship, insecurity, and civic apathy as reasons why a credible headcount may not be feasible now.
Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi of the Coalition of Northern Groups questioned the timing, expressing doubt about the practicality of conducting a national census before the 2027 general elections.
“Why prioritise a census when citizens are battling hunger and insecurity? We have seen consistent violence and instability across many regions,” he said.
Also expressing concern, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre described the census as essential for development but warned it could be exploited for political gains or financial misappropriation.
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“Regular census is vital for planning. However, many Nigerians may see this exercise as a political strategy or a means to misuse public funds,” he said.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, raised doubts about the government’s readiness, citing a history of politicised and manipulated censuses.
HURIWA’s Emmanuel Onwubiko argued that lack of coordination among identity-related government agencies continues to undermine efforts at achieving a scientific, verifiable headcount.
“The census process in Nigeria has long lacked patriotism and transparency. Some regions are routinely inflated, while others are under-counted,” he lamented.
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, highlighted the census as crucial for strategic planning in health, education, security, and economic development.
Yet, many Nigerians carry memories of being excluded in previous exercises. Abuja-based resident Ikharo Attah recalled not being counted in 2006, leading to disillusionment and a lack of trust in census efforts.
The upcoming exercise was originally slated for 2016 but postponed multiple times, most recently in April 2023 due to post-election tensions and technical delays.
Although no date has been set, the National Assembly in January approved NPC’s 2025 budget proposal, signalling urgency for implementation.
Observers agree that Nigeria cannot continue to rely on outdated population data. But they also stress that the process must be transparent, inclusive, and free of political interference if it is to succeed.
Guardian.ng
