President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated an eight-member high-level committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming national population and housing census.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration ceremony held Wednesday at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the census to national development. He noted that accurate demographic data is vital for planning and decision-making in key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and economic development.
“The census must be technology-driven, with the integration of biometrics and digital tools to ensure accuracy and credibility,” Tinubu said. “Collaboration among relevant agencies and stakeholders is essential, and funding must be sourced both domestically and internationally.”
He highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in coordinating the census, adding that effective budgeting hinges on knowing the country’s actual population.
Nigeria’s last census was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago, and recorded a population of 140.4 million people, comprising 71.3 million males and 69 million females.
In his remarks, Senator Bagudu pledged that the committee would meet the three-week deadline for submitting its interim report. He recalled the President’s charge to ministers in 2023 to think creatively and utilize available resources despite economic challenges.
Bagudu acknowledged the nation’s gradual progress under Tinubu’s leadership, including improved foreign exchange stability and positive growth indicators. He said the committee would propose realistic strategies to secure funding for the census from both local and international sources.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, underscored the importance of credible data for effective planning and policy formulation, describing the census as the foundation for such efforts.
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, who also serves as the committee’s secretary, said the NPC has already begun preliminary preparations in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other stakeholders. He assured Nigerians of a credible, technology-driven enumeration process that would aid national planning.
Other members of the committee include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze
