JUST IN; Date Nigeria will conduct National Cencus announced
Nigeria’s long-awaited national census will take place in 2025, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, has confirmed.
Kwarra made the announcement during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that the prolonged delay in conducting the census has hindered the country’s ability to effectively assess population needs and allocate resources, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Highlighting the consequences of this data gap, Kwarra noted that the absence of accurate population information complicates the delivery of reproductive health services and targeted interventions for specific demographic groups. This, he added, has hampered efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve access to family planning.
It is important to note that Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, despite recommendations from the United Nations for such exercises to be carried out every decade.
The much-anticipated 2023 census was delayed twice under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which decided to defer the process to allow the incoming government to oversee it.
Kwarra stressed that the lack of current population data has had a profound impact on decision-making across various sectors.
He emphasised the critical role that accurate data plays in fostering social progress, equity, and inclusive development.
“The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making.
“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people.
“Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation,” he said.
