President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a national committee tasked with coordinating the long-anticipated population and housing census, nearly two decades after Nigeria last conducted the exercise.

The eight-member committee, chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, is expected to submit its interim report within three weeks. Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration held at the State House, Abuja, emphasised the significance of accurate population data for national development and effective planning in key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and the economy.

According to a statement from presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the president called for a technology-driven census, urging the use of biometrics and digital enumeration tools to ensure credible and verifiable results.

He also highlighted the importance of securing both domestic and international funding sources for the exercise, instructing the committee to collaborate closely with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Bagudu assured the president that the committee would deliver within the stipulated timeframe. He acknowledged the economic challenges the country faces but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s steady progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, who also serves as the committee’s secretary, affirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct a credible census and said groundwork is already being laid for the process.

Nigeria’s last census was held in 2006, recording a population of 140.4 million. The upcoming census is expected to leverage advanced technology for accuracy and provide data crucial for long-term national development.