National Population Commission Chairman Announces National Census to Take Place in 2025
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that Nigeria’s long-awaited national census will take place in 2025.
Kwarra made the statement on Thursday during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja.
Meanwhile, He emphasized that the delay in conducting the census has hindered the country’s ability to accurately assess its population needs and allocate resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Kwarra pointed out that the lack of up-to-date population data has had a significant impact on the country’s ability to tailor reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups. He noted that this gap in data has impeded progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning services. Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, and despite recommendations from the United Nations to hold one every 10 years, the country has yet to conduct another.
The census, which was initially scheduled for 2023, was postponed twice under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The decision was made to allow the incoming government to oversee the exercise. Kwarra highlighted that the absence of accurate and current population data has resulted in challenges in decision-making across various sectors, affecting everything from resource allocation to public policy formulation.
Kwarra stressed the importance of reliable population data in fostering social progress and inclusivity. He emphasized that the data will be crucial for addressing issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), advancing sexual and reproductive health, and promoting equal opportunities for women and young people in Nigeria. The NPC Chairman called for a collective commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of all citizens.
