Nigeria is taking significant steps towards conducting a long-overdue national population and housing census, integrating biometric and digital technology to ensure accuracy. The last census in the country was held in November 2006, and nearly two decades later, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is prioritizing efforts to obtain reliable demographic data for national planning.
During a high-level meeting at the State House in Abuja on Monday, President Tinubu assured officials of the National Population Commission (NPC) of his administration’s commitment to executing the census. However, he emphasized the need for a thorough budgetary review in alignment with Nigeria’s current financial realities. To achieve this, he announced plans to establish a special committee that would assess funding sources and develop a comprehensive strategy for the exercise.
President Tinubu underscored the importance of biometric data collection in the upcoming census, advocating for the inclusion of multiple identification features such as facial and voice recognition. He stressed that without an accurate population count, the government would struggle to implement effective policies in employment, agriculture, food security, and social welfare.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we cannot effectively plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems arise without reliable demographic data,” the President stated.
He also directed that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) be fully integrated into the census process to enhance data credibility and coordination among government agencies.
President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigeria to explore internal financial strategies before reaching out to development partners for support. He cautioned against the frequent delays that have hindered previous census efforts and insisted on a clear, actionable roadmap.
“This stop-and-go approach to the census cannot work with me. We must have a definite path. I will set up a committee to critically examine the issues, identify funding sources, and determine what we can handle internally before seeking external assistance,” he asserted.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the President’s commitment to conducting the census. He acknowledged funding challenges but noted that at least 40% of the funding for Nigeria’s last census in 2006 came from development partners.
“Mr. President, you have consistently shown commitment to this census. At the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you inquired about the delay, and I explained that it was due to financial constraints. The NPC and all relevant agencies must now work together to determine the minimum funds required for this critical exercise,” Bagudu stated.
To ensure a seamless process, the Minister revealed that an inter-agency task force comprising the NPC, NIMC, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Ministry of Digital Economy, and other key stakeholders has been holding technical meetings. The aim is to synchronize existing national databases, including voter registration, passports, social security records, and telecom data, with the upcoming census. The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is also providing geo-spatial support for accurate mapping and demographic analysis.
In his remarks, NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, highlighted the urgency of conducting the census, stressing that planning for critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development requires updated population data.
He revealed that 760,000 digital tablets have already been procured and secured with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in preparation for the exercise. He assured that the commission would actively engage with development partners to mobilize additional resources once President Tinubu officially proclaims the census.
As Nigeria moves closer to this landmark exercise, the administration remains determined to implement a modern, technology-driven census that will serve as a foundation for evidence-based governance and sustainable development.
