President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming national population and housing census. The event, held in Abuja, marks a significant step toward updating the country’s demographic data, last recorded in 2006.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Tinubu emphasized the census’s critical role in national development, accurate planning, and decision-making across sectors like healthcare, education, security, and economic planning. Nigeria’s 2006 census recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females. The President stressed the need for a technology-driven process, incorporating biometrics and digitalization, to ensure credible and verifiable results.
Tinubu urged the committee to collaborate with relevant agencies, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and to explore both domestic and international funding sources. “You cannot budget if you do not know how many we are,” he said, highlighting the importance of accurate data for effective governance. The committee is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks.
Committee Chairman and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, assured the President that the team would meet the deadline. Reflecting on Tinubu’s 2003 advice to ministers to think creatively under economic constraints, Bagudu noted Nigeria’s progress under the current administration, including improved foreign exchange stability and economic growth. He pledged to recommend practical solutions, including strategies to mobilize resources for the census.
Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, a committee member, underscored the importance of accurate data as the foundation for sectoral planning. National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who serves as the committee’s secretary, affirmed the NPC’s ongoing preparations in collaboration with stakeholders. Kwarra emphasized the commission’s commitment to a credible, technology-driven census to support national development.
The eight-member committee includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission, the Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations.