Nigeria is preparing to conduct its first biometric population census before the 2027 elections, an initiative expected to enhance data accuracy and aid in effective governance. The National Population Commission has made significant preparations, and President Bola Tinubu has assured budget support for the exercise. The biometric approach will utilize advanced technology to verify individual identities, thereby addressing issues of previous censuses that were marred by discrepancies.
Nigeria is poised to conduct its inaugural biometric population census, aimed to take place ahead of the 2027 general elections. This initiative represents a significant advancement in enumerating the population accurately, following the last census in November 2006. The National Population Commission (NPC) has briefed President Bola Tinubu regarding their preparations, and he has assured the establishment of a committee to evaluate the proposed N980 billion budget to ensure robust and reliable census figures that contribute to effective development planning.
The biometric population census employs advanced technology to gather and verify demographic data, transcending the mere counting of households. Unlike traditional censuses that classify individuals based on socioeconomic factors, the biometric approach utilizes unique physical traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans. Notably, religion and ethnicity are not factors in the Nigerian census questionnaire.
The NPC has made substantial progress by producing digital maps, acquiring digital tablets, and training personnel. Biometric equipment and software are slated for procurement pending presidential approval. With just the proclamation of the census date by President Tinubu, Nigeria will commence its first population count in nearly two decades. The biometric methodology promises various advantages, including ensuring that individuals are counted only once, thereby minimizing errors and duplication, alongside enhancing security to mitigate false information reporting.
Biometric technologies are also anticipated to improve operational efficiency, with the ability to quickly collect and process data, thereby conserving resources. Furthermore, the information gleaned can lead to the creation of unique identification numbers, enhancing governmental tracking of population dynamics. Harmonizing with the national biometric data collection by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), data from the upcoming biometric census will integrate into the national database.
During the meeting, President Tinubu invited the NIMC to contribute to budget discussions, emphasizing that a biometric census will significantly aid in strategic planning across sectors, such as employment and agriculture. He acknowledged the critical importance of accurate data for tackling societal challenges, expressing his astonishment over Nigeria’s stunted census activities over the past two decades due to factors including funding constraints, insecurity, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The importance of conducting a census cannot be overstated, as it enables governments to make informed decisions and form effective policies that focus on essential services such as healthcare and education. Furthermore, the transparent nature of biometric data collection streamlines governmental responses to crises, including natural disasters. However, Nigeria continues to face challenges with birth and death registrations, which remain insufficient in several states, necessitating collaborative efforts among state governors and NPC officials to promote regular registration initiatives.
With a rich history of population censuses dating back to 1886, Nigeria has seen various enumeration exercises over the years, including the most recent in 2006. This legacy underscores the importance of the upcoming biometric census, which is anticipated to resolve existing controversies and enhance data reliability. The biometric approach promises to significantly improve governance and public service delivery, and thus it is imperative that President Tinubu expedites the scheduling of the next census.
In conclusion, Nigeria’s upcoming biometric census represents a pivotal advancement towards achieving accurate and reliable population data collection. This initiative, backed by modern technology and comprehensive planning, aims to eradicate past discrepancies inherent in previous censuses. President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to this process is crucial for enhancing governance and service delivery across various sectors. Timely scheduling of this census will ensure that Nigeria capitalizes on its potential to effectively address societal needs and promote sustainable development.
Original Source: www.thisdaylive.com
