President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria inaugurated a high-level Committee on the upcoming national Population and Housing Census at the State House in Abuja. The Committee’s primary objective is to ensure that the census is conducted in a timely and credible manner, while also aligning with Nigeria’s current financial realities.
During the inauguration, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, President Tinubu, represented by Chief of Staff Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasized the urgency of the Committee’s work. He called for an interim report within three weeks to guide the census timeline and funding strategies. The Committee is tasked with reviewing the census budget, identifying funding sources, and proposing a viable date for the census, while ensuring effective coordination among relevant institutions.
Highlighting the importance of accurate population data, President Tinubu stated that the census is vital for national development. He pointed out that the last census was conducted in 2006, nearly two decades ago, making it imperative to update demographic data to tackle contemporary challenges in sectors such as food security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
The President also stressed the necessity of a technology-driven approach to ensure credible results. He urged the Committee to collaborate with all relevant agencies, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, to facilitate effective budgeting based on accurate population figures. Tinubu insisted that the enumeration process must incorporate modern technology, including biometrics and digitalization, to enhance transparency and accuracy.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, who chairs the Committee, assured the President of their commitment to meet the three-week deadline for the report. He echoed the President’s earlier advice to ministers about thinking creatively and utilizing available resources, even amidst economic challenges. Bagudu expressed confidence that the Committee would propose practical solutions for mobilizing both domestic and international resources to fund the census.
The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will serve as the Committee Secretary, confirmed that preparations for the census are already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. He assured Nigerians of the NPC’s dedication to conducting a credible, technology-driven enumeration that will support effective national planning and development. The eight-member Committee includes key figures from various sectors, reflecting a comprehensive approach to this critical national exercise.