President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level presidential committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s long-awaited national population and housing census, directing the team to submit an interim report within three weeks.
The President, represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila at the State House event, emphasised the important of the census in shaping critical sectors, including healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.
Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, recording a population of 140.4 million.
President Tinubu also mandated a fully digitised process, insisting on biometrics and advanced data-capture systems to ensure accuracy. “The enumeration must be technology-driven. Things have changed since our last exercise—this must reflect modern standards,” he said.
He urged the committee to explore innovative funding models, including domestic and international partnerships, noting that the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning must lead the process. “You cannot budget effectively without knowing the population,” he added.
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and committee chairman, assured compliance with the deadline, recalling Tinubu’s 2023 directive for ministers to “think creatively” amid economic constraints. He cited Nigeria’s improving forex stability and growth as enabling factors.
The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, confirmed groundwork had begun, promising a “credible, technology-driven census” to support national development.
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