National Population Commission, NPC, has announced its preparedness to conduct the nation’s census in 2025.
This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, on Thursday in Abuja.
Kwarra made the disclosure while speaking at the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
According the Chairman, the delay in conducting the census has hindered Nigeria’s ability to effectively assess population needs and allocate resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
He said, “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.”
Recall that Nigeria last conducted a population census in 2006. This is despite the fact that the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to hold its census every 10 years.
Also recall that the exercise, was originally scheduled for 2023. It was, however, postponed twice under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. The outgoing administration had argued that the exercise would be better handled by the incoming government because of time.
Speaking at the event, Kwarra noted that the lack of up-to-date population data has significantly impacted decision-making across various sectors.
He said, “The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making.”
The NPC Chairman, however, reiterated the importance of accurate data in driving social progress and inclusivity.
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