Speaker to Engage Tinubu on Population Census  

Abuja, NigeriaThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s prolonged delay in conducting a national population census, stressing the importance of accurate population data for national development.

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the National Population Commission (NPC) board and management in Abuja, Dr. Abbas affirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to conduct a biometric census. He highlighted the critical role accurate data plays in shaping policy decisions and resource allocation.

“It is unacceptable for a country as large as Nigeria to go 19 years without conducting a population census,” Dr. Abbas stated. He emphasized that the exercise would dispel doubts regarding the authenticity of the country’s population figures, often questioned by critics.

In response to NPC Chairman Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra’s update on the preparations for the 2025 biometric census, Dr. Abbas assured the commission of his commitment to discussing the matter with President Tinubu after consulting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Alhaji Kwarra highlighted the commission’s readiness for the census, outlining steps such as the acquisition of advanced technology, recruitment and training of personnel, and setting up a situation room for data monitoring. He also requested legislative and financial support from the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

Nigeria’s last census, conducted in 2006, recorded a population of 140 million. However, the figures faced widespread criticism over alleged manipulation for political and resource allocation purposes. Several attempts to conduct a new census have been stalled due to insecurity, political transitions, and funding challenges, with the most recent effort in 2023 postponed.

The Speaker’s planned engagement with President Tinubu is seen as a positive step toward ensuring the timely execution of the 2025 biometric census.

 

By Enoch Odesola| January 29, 2025


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