Senate President Godswill Akpabio has emphasized the urgent need for a national population census, describing it as essential for effective planning and development in Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit from members of the National Population Commission (NPC) to brief him on preparations for the upcoming census, Akpabio noted that the last exercise was conducted in 2006—nearly two decades ago making a fresh count long overdue.
“It would be an understatement to call it a national disgrace,” Akpabio said. “Let’s say it’s a national embarrassment that Nigerians representing the country abroad often have no accurate figure to reference.”
He pointed out the confusion surrounding Nigeria’s population figures, which vary widely depending on the source. “Some say we are 250 million, others claim 270 million, and in some quarters, it’s even over 300 million. Now, we’re hearing estimates as low as 220 million. It’s time to put an end to the guesswork.”
The Senate President stressed that a country that does not know the size of its population cannot plan effectively. “You can’t build enough classrooms, plan health care, or ensure food security without knowing how many people you are serving,” he said. “Without data, we are failing the next generation.”
Akpabio assured the NPC delegation that the National Assembly would provide full backing to ensure the success of the census. “With the quality of people I see here and the seriousness of your mission, I believe once the President issues the formal proclamation, you will deliver. The Senate is committed to supporting you throughout this process,” he said.
NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who led the delegation, said the purpose of the visit was to update the Senate President on current preparations and to request continued legislative support.
“We cannot conduct this census without your backing,” Kwarra said. “Our goal is to deliver a credible, data-rich census that can guide policy, planning, and national development.”