President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated a high-level committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s upcoming national population and housing census, instructing the panel to present a preliminary report within three weeks.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the crucial importance of the census in national development, resource planning, and informed decision-making across sectors like health, education, and security.
Nigeria’s last census took place in 2006 and recorded a population of over 140 million people. The President underscored the need for a modern, technology-driven census that incorporates biometric data and digital tools to ensure accurate and transparent results. He also highlighted the need for close coordination with relevant ministries and stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Tinubu pointed out that proper budgeting hinges on reliable population data, urging the committee to explore both local and international funding avenues to support the exercise.
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and chair of the committee, assured that the team would meet the three-week deadline. He recalled the President’s earlier guidance to ministers to think innovatively and work within available resources, despite economic pressures.
Bagudu also noted signs of economic improvement under the current administration, including greater stability in the foreign exchange market and a generally positive growth trend. He said the committee’s report would propose actionable strategies for financing the census effectively.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Information Muhammed Idris reinforced the need for accurate data, stating that a credible census serves as the foundation for national development planning.
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will serve as the committee’s secretary, said the NPC has already begun laying the groundwork for the exercise in collaboration with key agencies. He reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to deliver a reliable, tech-based census to guide future development.
The committee comprises eight members, including the Ministers of Budget, Finance, and Information; the heads of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); the Principal Private Secretary to the President; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations.
