Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu highlights the urgent need for a national census in 2025 to provide reliable data for effective governance. The NPC identifies 13 crucial benefits of the census, including enhanced economic planning and resource allocation. With a current budget estimation of N942 billion and planned biometric advancements, the census aims to address previous inaccuracies and fulfill critical societal needs in Nigeria.
In 2025, Nigeria plans to conduct a vital census to accurately ascertain its population and demographic data. President Bola Tinubu emphasized the necessity of this exercise for effective planning in various sectors including employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. Previous estimates indicate Nigeria’s population at 220 million; however, these figures lack reliable backing, necessitating a comprehensive census for accurate data collection and analysis.
The National Population Commission (NPC) recognizes 13 essential benefits of conducting a national population and housing census. Accurate census data are crucial for governmental economic assessments, resource allocation, identifying vulnerable populations, and strategizing assistance programs. Furthermore, these data support educational initiatives, disaster recovery procedures, security, and overall policy formulation to enhance public welfare.
The importance of census data is reflected in its role in identifying demographic needs, which allows for proper social amenities provision. Census-derived information will also facilitate the implementation of development policies that align with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting a new census is noteworthy, as the last one occurred in November 2006. His administration aims to introduce biometric and digital elements to improve the census’ accuracy. Additionally, he plans to collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission to centralize and enhance the identification processes.
During a February meeting, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu reiterated the significance of census data for effective planning and resource distribution. He also highlighted ongoing collaborations with identity-related agencies to optimize data management. NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra announced the procurement of 760,000 tablets for the census, indicating readiness to seek further support for funding it, especially given anticipated challenges with international aid.
The previous administration intended to conduct the census in 2023, but scheduling conflicts with elections hindered its execution. Concerns about political interference during election years underscore the urgency for a 2025 census. Estimates for conducting the census are now projected at N942 billion, significantly higher than previous estimates, raising queries about budget inflation. However, given the economic context, this increase may be justified.
In conclusion, the upcoming 2025 census represents a critical opportunity for Nigeria to gather accurate demographic data essential for effective governance and planning. With a commitment to incorporating modern technology, the census aims to address past inaccuracies and foster improved resource distribution and social services. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of conducting this essential exercise, it is imperative to ensure that the focus remains on producing reliable outcomes that reflect the nation’s diverse demographics and needs.
Original Source: punchng.com
