Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday inaugurated an eight-member high-level committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming national population and housing census. The committee, chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has been mandated to submit an interim report within three weeks, by May 7, 2025.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the State House in Abuja, with the President represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. In his remarks, President Tinubu underscored the critical importance of the census exercise as a foundation for national development, effective planning, and informed decision-making across sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and economic management.
“Nigeria’s last census was conducted nearly two decades ago in 2006, recording a population of approximately 140 million people,” the President noted. “This exercise is vital because you cannot budget or plan effectively if you do not know how many we are, where we are, and the peculiar circumstances that define our communities.”
President Tinubu emphasized the need for a technology-driven enumeration process, highlighting the advances since the last census. He called for the integration of biometrics and digitalization to ensure credible, verifiable, and transparent results. The President also stressed the importance of collaboration among all relevant agencies and stakeholders to guarantee the success of the census.
On the crucial issue of financing, Tinubu urged the committee to explore both domestic and international resources to fund the exercise. “Work with all relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which must take charge of this process,” he said.
Senator Atiku Bagudu assured the President that the committee would meet the three-week deadline for the interim report. He recalled President Tinubu’s earlier advice to ministers to think creatively and maximize available resources, even under challenging economic conditions. Bagudu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s steady economic progress despite global challenges, citing improved foreign exchange stability and positive growth trajectories under the current administration.
The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, also a committee member, highlighted the indispensability of accurate data for effective planning across all sectors. He described a credible census as the bedrock for national development.
National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra, who serves as the committee’s secretary, revealed that preparations for the census are already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other stakeholders. Kwarra noted that the NPC has been focusing on identifying key requirements and laying the groundwork necessary for the President to make an informed decision on the actual conduct of the census.
The eight-member committee includes key figures such as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission, the Principal Secretary to the President, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations.
The national census, long overdue and repeatedly delayed due to funding constraints, insecurity, and logistical challenges, is expected to leverage modern technology to enhance accuracy and transparency. The exercise will provide critical demographic data essential for Nigeria’s socio-economic planning and development.
President Tinubu’s inauguration of the committee marks a significant step toward conducting Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly 20 years, signaling a commitment to data-driven governance and national progress.
Sources:
State House Nigeria
Voice of Nigeria
Punch Nigeria
Arise TV
