April 17, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-level Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census as part of renewed efforts to conduct an accurate national population count.
The committee, chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks.
The report will form the basis for setting a specific date for Nigeria’s next census exercise.
Inaugurating the committee at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasised the strategic importance of the exercise, describing it as critical to national development.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria last conducted a census nearly two decades ago in 2006, and stressed the urgent need for updated demographic data to drive policy formulation and implementation across all sectors.
He said, “An accurate population count is a precursor to national development.
“It cuts across healthcare delivery, education, security, and virtually every sector. No meaningful planning can be done without knowing how many we are, where we are, and the diverse circumstances of our citizens.”
The President warned that continued reliance on outdated data would hamper progress, especially as major changes have occurred in settlement patterns, economic activities, and technology.
“Since 2006, there have been several changes in terms of settlements, population priorities, economy, and technology.
We cannot afford to stand still. Motion without movement leads nowhere,” Tinubu said.
He urged the committee to prioritise mobilising both domestic and international funding and ensure that all necessary resources are secured for the successful execution of the census.
Tinubu particularly highlighted the need to leverage technology in all aspects of the enumeration process to guarantee accuracy, efficiency, and credibility.
In his remarks, Bagudu assured the President that the committee would meet the three-week deadline for the interim report.
He noted that despite prevailing global economic challenges, Nigeria was making steady progress under Tinubu’s leadership, citing improvements in foreign exchange stability and overall economic outlook.
The Minister said the committee would propose practical strategies for mobilising resources, including engaging international development partners to support the census.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, a member of the committee, stressed that credible data was vital for planning and development across all sectors.
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, who serves as Secretary of the committee, revealed that preparations were already underway for the census.
He said the NPC was working closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other stakeholders to lay the groundwork necessary for the President to make an informed decision on the timing of the exercise.
Kwarra assured that the commission remained committed to delivering a credible, technology-driven census that would support effective national planning and development.
Nigeria’s last census in 2006 recorded a population of 140,431,790, comprising 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.
Members of the newly inaugurated committee include Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra; Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Bisoye Coker Odusote; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Principal Private Secretary to the President; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).
