The Importance of Conducting a National Census in Nigeria

The prolonged gap of nearly 20 years since Nigeria last conducted a national census signals a lack of commitment to essential planning in the nation.

Nasir Kwarra, the former Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), mentioned during the anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on Population and Development last year that preparations for a new census would soon commence.

Unfortunately, despite years of expensive preparations that consumed billions of naira, Kwarra was unable to carry out the census.

After the conclusion of his tenure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr. Aminu Yusuf to lead the NPC for a five-year term.

Reflecting on past efforts, President Tinubu assured NPC officials during a recent meeting that a committee would be established to incorporate the financial aspects of the planned census into the country's current economic context. He emphasized that the census must include crucial biometric data such as facial and voice recognition, amongst other vital features.

Acknowledging the need to integrate fiscal realities into the census planning, President Tinubu remarked, "We should enhance our financial capacity first before consulting with development partners about the census. We need to clarify the figures before engaging with development partners."

Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Planning, who oversees the NPC, informed attendees of his ministry's efforts to create synergy with all relevant identity agencies for the census. He stated, "We have convened ecosystem meetings to link identity agencies and those involved in geo-spatial assessment and management to this initiative. Thus, organizations such as the NPC, National Bureau of Statistics, National Identity Management Commission, Ministry of Digital Economy, and others have been collaborating with the National Space Research and Development Agency to analyze available governmental data and optimize outcomes."

Citizens are keenly watching the collaborative efforts to ensure the upcoming census is conducted effectively. The last census in Nigeria took place in 2006, which is significantly overdue as the United Nations advises that such exercises occur every decade.

During the Muhammadu Buhari administration, there were intentions to conduct a census in 2023, but logistical issues, funding constraints, and cost overruns led to its postponement. The approaching elections that year created further complications regarding resources and coordination, necessitating a shift in the census date to a more opportune time.

However, it remains critical to underscore that conducting a national census is essential for Nigeria. The population has surged since the last census, with varying estimates placing Nigeria's population between 200 million and 250 million. This discrepancy underscores the need for accurate demographic data, including population growth rates and gender distribution, which are vital for effective national planning.

Additionally, there is a growing belief that political interests may hinder the execution of a census.

The census is fundamentally about efficiency. It facilitates precise leadership and service delivery. In developed nations, foundational facilities like schools, healthcare centers, or security outposts are established based on census data that reflect community needs.

In light of this, it is encouraging to see the government taking steps towards conducting a census after many delays.

Authorities must ensure that logistical and other challenges encountered in previous census attempts are diligently resolved, and that the upcoming exercise is shielded from political bias. Disputes over population estimates among states and regions have often led to issues of credibility regarding census results.

If the government's initiatives to broaden the participation of relevant agencies and utilize biometric methods for data collection are continued, it could effectively mitigate challenges faced in prior census exercises. Citizens are thus encouraged to extend their full support and cooperation when the census rollout begins.