Efforts to update Nigeria’s population data have taken a fresh turn as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched a high-level committee to coordinate the country’s long-awaited population and housing census.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, inaugurated the committee during a gathering at the State House in Abuja, urging members to submit an initial report within three weeks. The event was confirmed in a statement from Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
Emphasizing the significance of accurate population figures, Tinubu said the upcoming census will play a vital role in reshaping national development strategies, particularly in areas like education, health, infrastructure, security, and the economy.
“We need hard data to make sound decisions. If we don’t know how many we are, how do we plan?” he asked.
He stressed that the process must be modern and technology-led, advocating for a digital approach, complete with biometrics, to ensure accuracy and transparency.
The President also encouraged the committee to explore all funding possibilities, both within Nigeria and through international partnerships. He directed the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to take the lead in coordinating efforts, as proper planning begins with reliable data.
Committee chair and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, assured Tinubu that they would meet the three-week deadline. He also echoed the President’s belief in innovation and resilience, referencing earlier calls from Tinubu for his cabinet to do more with limited resources.
Despite economic headwinds, Bagudu pointed to signs of stability and progress under the current administration—citing a more stable foreign exchange market and gradual economic recovery.
Other key voices at the event reinforced the need for a credible census. Information Minister Muhammed Idris said data is the backbone of development, and that the success of any national plan depends on how well the figures reflect reality.
Nasir Kwarra, who leads the National Population Commission and will serve as secretary to the committee, said groundwork is already underway. He noted that consultations are ongoing with various stakeholders and that the commission is ready to deliver a digital-first census that meets global standards.
The eight-member team includes senior figures from across government: the Ministers of Finance and Information, the heads of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and National Identity Management Commission, and top aides from the Presidency.
It’s been nearly 20 years since Nigeria’s last population count in 2006, which recorded just over 140 million people. The new exercise is expected to deliver more up-to-date figures crucial for policy and planning in a rapidly changing nation.
