February 24, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to set up a committee to oversee the forthcoming national census, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to generating accurate and reliable population data for effective development planning and improved social security.
Speaking on Monday at the State House in Abuja during a meeting with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC), led by its Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, Tinubu underscored the importance of precise demographic data for national planning.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we cannot effectively plan for employment, agriculture, and food security. A lack of reliable data creates numerous challenges,” the President stated.
Nigeria last conducted a population census in 2006. However, President Tinubu assured that the next exercise would incorporate biometric and digital technologies, stressing that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) must play a central role in the process.
He emphasised that biometric capturing, including facial and voice recognition, should be integral to the census to ensure accuracy and prevent duplication.
“We need to assess our financial capacity before seeking support from development partners. This stop-and-go approach to the census cannot continue under my administration. We must have a clear and decisive plan. I will set up a committee to critically examine the issues, identify funding sources, and map out a sustainable path forward,” he said.
Tinubu also noted that government initiatives, such as fertilizer distribution, would be more effectively managed with accurate demographic data.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reinforced the importance of the census, stating that population data is crucial for resource allocation and national planning.
“At a retreat for ministers in 2023, Mr. President, you reiterated your commitment to the census. There is no doubt about your resolve to see it through. At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked about the challenges, and I informed you that funding was the primary issue,” Bagudu said.
He revealed that the NPC had noted that 40 percent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners, adding that ongoing inter-agency meetings were being held to integrate various identity databases, including those from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), NIMC, Ministry of Digital Economy, voters’ register, telecoms data, and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
NPC Chairman, Kwarra, in his presentation, acknowledged that the 2006 census figures were outdated and inadequate for present-day planning, particularly in sectors with direct population impact.
He disclosed that the commission had acquired 760,000 tablets, which are currently stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and expressed readiness to engage with development partners to secure additional support once President Tinubu officially proclaims the new census.
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