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Tag: Census

  • Conduct of census long overdue, says Senate President Akpabio

    Conduct of census long overdue, says Senate President Akpabio

    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.”

  • Tinubu inaugurates national census committee, gives 3-week deadline for report

    Tinubu inaugurates national census committee, gives 3-week deadline for report

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level committee on the forthcoming national population and housing census.

    The President tasked the committee to submit an interim report within three weeks, Mr Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

    The President said the census was crucial for national development, accurate planning, and effective decision-making in healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.

    Nigeria’s last census, which was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago, recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.

    Tinubu stressed the pivotal role of a technology-driven process in ensuring credible and verifiable results and the need for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders.

    Underscoring the critical financing factor in the exercise, he enjoined the members to look at domestic and even international resources.

    “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This ministry has to take charge of this because you cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.

    “We expect you will touch on the technology area because the census must be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time that we conducted this exercise.

    “The enumeration has to be technology-driven with biometrics and digitalisation,” he said.

    Tinubu was represented at the event at the State House, Abuja, by Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff.

    Sen. Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census, assured the President that the committee would deliver its report within the three-week deadline.

    The minister recalled President Tinubu’s advice to ministers during their retreat in 2023, urging them to think creatively and work with the resources available, even under harsh economic conditions.

    Bagudu noted that despite global economic challenges, Nigeria was making steady progress under President Tinubu’s leadership, citing improved foreign exchange stability and a positive growth trajectory.

    He said the committee would recommend practical solutions, including strategies for mobilising domestic and international resources to fund the census.

    Alhaji Muhammed Idris, the Minister of Information, also a committee member, emphasised that accurate data was critical for planning across all sectors and that a credible census was the foundation for such data.

    Mr Nasir Kwarra, the National Population Commission Chairman, who will also serve as the committee secretary, said the commission had already begun preparations for the census in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    According to him, the focus has been on identifying key requirements and laying the groundwork necessary for the President to make an informed decision on the actual conduct of the census.

    Kwarra assured Nigerians that the National Population Commission remained committed to ensuring a credible, technology-driven enumeration that would support effective national planning and development.

    The eight-member committee also includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission.

    Others are: the Principal Private Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).

  • Tinubu to setup census committee over funding concerns

    Tinubu to setup census committee over funding concerns

    President Bola Tinubu has said that he would soon set up a committee to align the census budget to the current financial realities of government.

    The President announced this on Monday at a meeting with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC) at the State House, Abuja.

    Mr Nasir Kwarra, the Chairman of NPC and other members were at the State House to brief the President on progress made so far on the exercise.

    The President said that the National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) must be part of the review, and that the nation last held a census in November 2006.

    “We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data.

    “Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data,” President Tinubu said.

    He reiterated his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable figures from the national census to strengthen development planning and improve Nigerians’ living conditions through more efficient social security.

    Tinubu noted that government incentives, such as the sale and distribution of fertilisers, could be easily improved upon with more reliable data and demographics.

    The President told the delegation that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition.

    “We should work on our financial muscle well in place to lift our burden before we go and meet development partners for the census. We should work out the figures before discussing the role of development partners.

    “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So, we better have a definite path.

    “I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?” the President asked.

    Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, said the census data would be central to future planning and resource distribution.

    “At a retreat for the ministers in 2023, Mr President, you reiterated your commitment to the census, so there is no doubt about your desire and commitment to have the census.

    “In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked me what the problem was, and I told you it was simply an issue of lack of ability to fund the census.

    “The NPC indicated that 40 per cent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners,” Bagudu stated.

    Bagudu noted that the enumeration done by NPC so far had been helpful.

    “Mr President, we have been having ecosystem meetings to link the identity agencies, even the geo-spatial chaired by the ministry, because of our mandate as the supervising ministry of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS),” said the minister.

    In his presentation, the NPC chairman said the last census took place in 2006, and 19 years later, the figures were no longer relevant in planning, particularly for key sectors that directly impacted the population.

    He said 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring the commission would engage with development partners to seek support whenever President Tinubu proclaimed the new census.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: Why I will not be counted in next census

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Why I will not be counted in next census

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Why I will not be counted in next census

  • NPC ready to conduct census, waiting for presidential nod – Chairman

    NPC ready to conduct census, waiting for presidential nod – Chairman

    The National Population Commission (NPC), is prepared to conduct the National Population and Housing Census but awaiting President Bola Tinubu’s approval for a date, the Chairman, Mr Isa Kwarra, says.

    Kwarra said this on Monday in Abuja at a media conference, to herald the commemoration of the World Population Day 2024, marked on July 11 every year.

    This year’s celebration is themed: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All”.

    According to Kwarra, the United Nations recommends that we conduct censuses every 10 years.

    “The 2020 round of census is ending this year. We will be making a hypothesis to make sure that we conduct the census before the 2020 round of census comes to an end.

    “I want to believe that we will get it right, we are just waiting on the president to give us the date, and the commission is ever prepared to do it once we have a date declared by the President.

    “The resources should be able to recruit extra hands to help us in conducting a very robust census that will provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable, but will be acceptable by all.

    “If we start now, we can achieve it; at least the 2020 round of census gives us an opportunity to extend up to April 2025.”

    He, however, said that the commission would prefer to carry out the exercise in November as that was what was planned for earlier in the year.

    Speaking about the importance of conducting the census, Kwarra said it would enable the nation have the right information/evidence/data for measuring and predicting likely demographic shifts.

    “We need to hold a census that will deploy modern technology to generate timely, reliable and acceptable data required for addressing the different needs of the various population groups.

    “Also, to implement interventions that will create opportunities for progress and remove barriers and inhibitions.”

    The Country Representative, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Gifty Addico, said that timely censuses would provide the baseline data needed to track progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Represented by the Deputy Country Representative, Mr Koessan Kuawu, Addico said that it would also help to formulate policies that addressed the diverse needs of Nigeria’s population.

    “In Nigeria, our delay to generate timely inclusive data through the Population and Housing Census and other exercises, have masked the progress made, so much so that obsolete data is being used to assess our progress made towards the SDGs.

    “Hence timely population and housing census represents a critical opportunity.

    “As we prepare to enter a new 2030 round of population and housing census era, we must ensure that our data generation exercises are prioritised and conducted timely and regularly.

    “We must be respectful of individual rights and accurately reflects the multifaceted experiences of all people.

    “I therefore call on Nigeria to build a resilient and equitable future, by prioritising investment in comprehensive population data systems, ensuring safe and inclusive data collection, collaborating with marginalised communities, leveraging technology responsibly, and supporting the national census.”

    The Chairman, Association of the Advancement of the Family Planning (AAFP), Dr Ejike Orji, said that without census data, the country was like a ship without a rudder for decision makers.

    He also said that having committed more than 70 per cent of the resources needed for the census if the exercise was not carried out, Nigeria would lose a lot.

    “So that is why we are appealing that government should make sure this happens. If it doesn’t happen, we’re in trouble.”

    Speaking to the theme of the day, the Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said that it held a particular significance for Nigeria, a nation of immense potential and diverse demographics.

    “Inclusive data is the cornerstone of informed decision-making and policy development.

    “It provides us with the insights needed to understand the realities faced by different segments of our population and empowers us to design targeted interventions to address inequalities and disparities.

    He added that Nigeria’s population which was both diverse and vibrant presented both immense opportunities and significant challenges.

    However, to effectively harness the full potential of the demographic landscape, the nation needed data that was not only comprehensive but also inclusive.

  • 2023 census designed not to hold – NPC Commissioner

    2023 census designed not to hold – NPC Commissioner

    The Federal Commissioner representing Osun State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Amidu Tadese has said the 2023 population and housing census contemplated by the Muhammadu Buhari Administration was designed not to hold.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Tadese to have said this while speaking with journalists in Osogbo, revealing that population census in Nigeria was too sensitive to be rushed.

    Recall the Federal Government had scheduled the population and housing census from May 3 to 6, 2023, before it was postponed after the general elections last year.

    Tadese said the exercise would have failed the integrity test considering the agitation that usually accompanies such exercise.

    “The last administration of President Muhammadu Buhari attempted to conduct a census in 2023, we don’t need to be told that the timing of last year’s census was designed ab initio not to hold because the government was supposed to depart on May 29.

    “The election just took place and people were still contending with several issues around it. Meanwhile, the census itself comes with a lot of complaints. We witnessed the 2006 census, where some states of the federation disagreed with the figure and went ahead to conduct an independent census of their citizens.

    “If another census was allowed to take place, the result would not have been accepted by the majority of the citizens. So, the then-president took the right decision by suspending it to allow the coming administration to settle down and address the issue,” he said.

  • Reps to probe N200bn spent on 2023 population census

    Reps to probe N200bn spent on 2023 population census

    The House of Representatives is set to probe the N200 billion spent on the suspended 2023 Population and Housing Census.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Clement Akanni (PDP-Osun),  during plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

    Moving the motion, Akanni  said the immediate-past administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari, planned to conduct another census in 2022 but the programme was later postponed to 2023.

    He said the former minister of state for budget and national planning, Mr Clem Agba said a total of N869 billion would be required for the exercise.

    “This figure, according to the minister, included Post-Census-Activities, adding that the National Population Commission (NPC) said, it spent about 200 billion to prepare for the 2023 population and housing census.”

    According to him, the exercise was, however, suspended indefinitely by Buhari,  a few days before leaving office.

    He added that the need to provide the nation with accurate and reliable demographic data for policy formulation and planning for sustainable development remained imperative

    Adopting the motion, the house mandated the Committee on Population to invite the Director- General of  the NPC,  to explain how the N200 billion meant for the suspended 2023 population and housing census was spent.

    The house urged the committee to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

  • Census: NPC has made substantial progress – Tinubu

    Census: NPC has made substantial progress – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has disclosed the National Population Commission (NPC) has made substantial progress in the quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu made the disclosure when he inaugurated the National Geospatial Data Repository Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (CRVS) on Wednesday.

    Tinubu also inaugurated the National Coordination Committee for the CRVS, under the Chairman of the NPC and stakeholders across all Federal Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    In his address at the event on Wednesday in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President said that the CRVS would help improve service delivery, care and knowledge to Nigerians.

    “It is my honour to be here to launch a digital Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (e-CRVS), a National Geospatial, Data Respiratory and the inauguration of the CRVS National Coordination Committee approved.

    “This launch marks another great step in our efforts to generate accurate and reliable demographic data in Nigeria.

    “We can debate why now? Why not before now?

    “But let me commend the noble initiative of the National Population Commission (NPC).

    “The CRVS system is the basic building block of an identity ecosystem.

    “It will help to improve service delivery, care and knowledge to Nigerians and shall ultimately become vital source of identity data across federal agencies such as NIMS-C, NIS, road safety, police, EFCC and other security outfits.”

    He, therefore, appealed to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to support the initiative.

    “Don’t say this is not my business; please cooperate.”

    The President said that the system would improve the ability of the federal agencies to generate vital statistics on important population events and migration.

    According to him, the CRVS will enable the government to design a well tailored, effective and efficient policy capable of meeting the needs of the Nigerian people.

    “Let’s always thank God that this country has been blessed, and has been disaster free.

    “Sometimes when you see disaster even minor magnitude, involving the lives of our people, you cannot easily say these are how many people are involved.

    “It is hoped that the current drive to reposition this vital registration system will provide the basis for 100 per cent attainment of our year 2030 SDG targets in respect of real time identity management and population data.

    “For me, at this time, the Commission has made substantial progress in the quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census.

    “It is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with much needed data for development, planning and the enthronement of good governance.”

    He called on the NPC to deploy its cutting edge technology especially the geospatial data that had been collected, through the enumeration area, demarcation in implementing the CRVS.

    He noted that the population remained the greatest asset of the nation in the development process.

    According to him, collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution, composition and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity which is also consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The Commission will, therefore, be supported and in the conduct of this next census.”

    He thanked the private solution providers for the laudable project and assured them that the Federal Government would always extend a hand of partnership to all private investors willing to partner with the government at all levels.

    “We are open for business and we are open for all possible partnerships in a way that will determine and redirect our progress development to upgrade the character of our country.

    “The ‘VitalReg’, they call it, I know is very special and I know the Director-General in charge; I have worked with her before.

    “Bisoye Odusote is a very hardworking lady that you can count on.

    “The prosperity of our nation is assured if we can do a reliable and dependable exercise,” President Tinubu said.

    In her goodwill message, UNICEF’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, commended Tinubu’s commitment to enhance civil registration data capturing, collation, processing, dissemination and access.

    “UNICEF remains steadfast in its support of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s endeavour to build a sustainable civil registration and vital statistics system.

    “We are committed to providing assistance to establish the necessary requirements for the successful compilation and processing of vital data,” Munduate said.

    For his part, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, said Nigeria’s most important asset was its people, especially its children, present and generations yet unborn.

    Earlier, the Chairman of NPC, Nasir Kwarra said the inauguration of CRVS emphasised the commitment of the current administration to strengthen civil registration, data capturing, processing and timely access to vital statistics.

    According to him, the initiative aligns with the United Nations Legal Identity Agenda and resolutions of the African Ministers Conference held in Addis Ababa.

    Kwarra said that the conference advocated for a technological shift in data generation.

  • NPC asks military for support to deliver credible census

    NPC asks military for support to deliver credible census

    The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Nasir Kwarra, has sought the support of the Nigerian Army in conducting a credible census in Nigeria.

    Kwarra made the call when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said the visit was to thank the CDS for the good job the military had been doing for the country, adding that they had continue to defend their territorial integrity of Nigeria and making sure that the nation experience peace.

    NPC boss said the military had also continued to support the commission in the process of preparation for the conduct of the census.

    ”The census which was supposed to have been conducted in April, was put on hold pending the new administration.

    “Mr President has reassured us that the census will be conducted. We are here to seek support of the army in provising security coverage for functionaries, offices at the states and local government levels, as well having access to the military barracks nationwide,” he said.

    Responding, Gen. Musa said the military was ready to support the commission to ensure that a credible census is conducted.

    He said the military recognises the importance of census, saying that a comprehensive census would make sure that developmental processes were being followed adequately as well as growth for the country.

    He said the aspect of security was where the military was most concerned .

    “So, it is going to be a comprehensive thing and they include the aspect of logistics and the military has a very comprehensive logistics system that works very well wherever we are.

    “We are going to put all those available to ensure that we have a successful census,” he said.

  • NPC speaks on census postponement

    NPC speaks on census postponement

    The National Population Commission (NPC) says the postponement of the 2023 National Population and Housing Census has given the commission the opportunity to further perfect the processes and systems.

    Abdulmalik Durunguwa, the NPC Federal Commissioner in charge of Kaduna State, made this known during a meeting with media executives on Wednesday.

    He said the meeting was to update the media on progress made so far in preparation for the 2023 population and housing census before the postponement.

    He said the decision of former President Muhammadu Buhari to postpone the conduct of the census was to give the present administration the opportunity to have input into the census process.

    The federal commissioner, who commended the media for the awareness and sensitisation of Nigerians on the census said “the postponement has given the commission the opportunity to further perfect its processes and systems for the conduct of the first-ever digital census.

    “The focus of the commission is to ensure that all the resources expended so far are safeguarded, that the nation does not need to start all over when the census is to be conducted.”

    He said the commission was not just looking at the immediate need of delivering the next census but concerned more about laying a solid foundation for future census.

    Durunguwa added that no fewer than 40,000 indigenes were recriuted and trained, comprising ad hoc staff enumerators, facilitators and supervisors.

    “The commission has equally demarcated the land areas for easy operation, in addition to procurement of necessary equipment and other logistics,” he said.

    He called for sustained partnership, and urged the media to continue to enlighten the people on the importance of census.

    Maryam Aliyu, Head of Technical of the commission, described the media as strategic partner in the commission’s arrangements for the census.

    Aliyu, who gave details of all that the NPC had done in the state, said the innovation being introduced by the commission would make the 2023 exercise a census data of high reckoning.

    “We will use hybrid digital technology in the conduct of the excercise, satellite imagery shall be collated to enable us to produce reliable data for virtually every professional”, she said.

    In his remarks, Ibrahim Soba, State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), said the agency had been sensitising communities to ensure credible census.

    He said that NÒA had covered 4,000 local communities with information materials for residents to take ownership of the census.