The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the long-anticipated national census will finally take place in 2025.
Nasir Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), shared this exciting news on Thursday, November 28. He made the announcement during the 2024 Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Nairobi Summit, which was held in Abuja.
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Kwarra said the protracted delay in holding the census had rendered Nigeria incapable of assessing her population needs and distributing her resources fairly across the nation.
Although the United Nations recommended that countries conduct a population census every 10 years, Nigeria’s last exercise was in 2006, leaving an 18-year gap. The census was initially scheduled for 2023 but was postponed twice during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite the release of funds meant to cover the process.
The Head of the NPC, Nasir Kwarra, described it as disproportionately affecting rural and poor communities. He expressed that the lack of recent population data has further restricted the efforts to deal with reproductive health issues and target responses accordingly.
“This is due to the fact that incorrect population data will make planning reproductive health services for these groups impossible, and thereby hurt the reduction of maternal deaths and increase access to family planning services,” said Kwarra.
He further lamented that this outdated data retarded the progress of Nigeria in its social development and inclusivity.
“As we gather today, we reiterate our shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and empowering people—particularly women and the youth. Our objective is to promote sexual and reproductive health, end gender-based violence, and offer equal opportunities for all,” Kwarra concluded.
