Nearly two decades since Nigeria’s last census in 2006, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee to prepare for a fresh national population and housing census. The move, although seen as vital for national planning, has stirred mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Speaking during the inauguration of the eight-member committee, Tinubu emphasized the need for a technology-driven process, stressing that accurate data is essential for effective governance, resource distribution, and economic planning. He tasked the panel to deliver an interim report within three weeks and to explore both local and international funding sources for the exercise.
“This census must be different,” Tinubu noted. “It should be digital, involve biometrics, and be backed by collaboration across government agencies.”
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who heads the committee, reaffirmed their commitment to meeting the tight deadline. The NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, also serving as the committee secretary, confirmed that groundwork has already started in anticipation of the census.
However, many Nigerians are questioning the timing. Critics argue that Nigeria is currently grappling with economic instability, widespread insecurity, and public distrust—factors that could derail the credibility of the census.
The National Assembly has already approved the National Population Commission’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year, urging swift action. Yet, concerns linger. The 2023 census was postponed due to political transition and technical hitches like incomplete enumeration of buildings. That delay has only deepened public scepticism.
Prominent voices from civil society, including the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, and the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, are wary. They warn that the initiative may be politically motivated or misused for manipulation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Census is crucial, but why now?” Charanchi asked. “There’s insecurity, economic hardship, and yet government wants to focus on headcounts?”
Rafsanjani added that while regular data collection is necessary for national growth, the fear of fund mismanagement and political interference cannot be ignored.
Also weighing in, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticized past governments for failing to carry out credible headcounts, alleging that census figures have often been manipulated to favor certain regions.
An Abuja resident, Mr. Ikharo Attah, recounted not being counted in the 2006 census, which he said shattered his confidence in such exercises. “It made me feel invisible,” he shared, “but I still believe accurate data is important for fair distribution of resources.”
Despite these fears and criticisms, President Tinubu insists that an accurate census is essential for proper planning in healthcare, education, security, and economic reforms. Whether the government can deliver a transparent, inclusive, and data-driven census remains to be seen.
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