LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The office of the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that there will be a national census in 2025.
This information was made public on Thursday, in Abuja, by the chairman at the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
Nigeria held its last census in 2006, this 18-years-gap has hindered the effective allocation of resources among states, and accurate evaluation of the needs of its citizens, particularly those in inaccessible rural areas.
According to Kwarra, “This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning.”
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The long-awaited census was initially scheduled to hold during the previous administration of former President Buhari, but was postponed twice. Under the new administration of President Tinubu, it was also postponed once last year, but currently, plans are underway to conduct the exercise next year in 2025.
The Chairman maintained that having proper population data will promote the social progress of the nation, but without, it will be difficult for the government to make informed decisions across all sectors.
“The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making,”
“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the
empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people,” he stated.
Kwarra added, that the main focus of the census is to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV), advance sexual and reproductive health among the citizens, while promoting equal opportunities for everyone.
The last national census held in the country in 2006, fell short of the United Nations recommendation for countries to hold a census every 10 years.
The Guardian
