By Tgnews
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially inaugurated the National Population and Housing Census Committee on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate demographic data. The committee is tasked with delivering an interim report within three weeks, a timeline that underscores the administration’s commitment to effective planning and resource allocation.
The census is crucial for national development and accurate planning
During the inauguration held at the State House in Abuja, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the census for informed decision-making in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.
“The census is crucial for national development and accurate planning,” he stated, noting that the last census in 2006 recorded a population of 140,431,790, with a near-equal distribution of males and females.
The President stressed that a technology-driven approach is essential for achieving credible and verifiable census results. “Things have changed since the last time we conducted this exercise. The enumeration must leverage biometrics and digitalization,” he asserted, calling for collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders.
Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
Financing the census emerged as a primary concern, with Tinubu urging the committee to explore both domestic and international funding avenues. “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning,” he advised, highlighting the necessity of accurate population data for effective budgeting.
Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and chairman of the committee, assured the President of the committee’s commitment to meeting the deadline. He recalled President Tinubu’s encouragement to think creatively and utilize available resources, even amidst challenging economic conditions, and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s steady progress under the President’s leadership.
Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, a member of the committee, reiterated the critical role of data for planning across all sectors and that a credible census is the foundation for such data.
Things have changed since the last time we conducted this exercise. The enumeration must leverage biometrics and digitalization
The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will also serve as the committee Secretary, said the commission has already begun preparations for the national population and housing census in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other 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 remains committed to ensuring a credible, technology-driven enumeration that will 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 (FIRS), the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).
