Senators Lament Lack of Headcount
On Tuesday, the Senate expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s failure to conduct a population census for the past 19 years. Lawmakers noted that the absence of updated population data has left the nation reliant on estimates and foreign-sourced statistics, diminishing its standing among countries that prioritize credible data for national planning.
The Senate directed the National Population Commission (NPC) to ensure a nationwide census is conducted in 2025, emphasizing the importance of accurate demographic data for effective governance and development.
A Call for Action
During the 2025 budget defense session with the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), lawmakers strongly advocated for the census. The NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra, assured the Senate that the commission is working on a biometric model to ensure a transparent and accurate headcount.
Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central) voiced his disappointment, stating, “I feel very bad that we are still living on estimated population figures. We want to know our population. Nigeria should be counted this year.”
Deputy Minority Leader and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olalere Oyewumi (PDP, Osun West), echoed this sentiment. He emphasized that delaying the census beyond 2025 could risk clashing with the 2027 general elections, which could disrupt or politicize the exercise.
The Need for Credible Data
The senators underscored the significance of the census, stressing that the current reliance on estimated figures undermines the nation’s planning capabilities. Senator Oyewumi urged the NPC to prioritize the census in its 2025 budget, stating, “The NPC should get its act together for the President to make a proclamation on the population census, which will facilitate provisions for the required funding.”
Senator Ningi added that the Senate would formally write to President Bola Tinubu to stress the urgency of conducting the census this year.
Presidential Commitment to Biometric Census
Responding to the Senate’s demands, NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra assured lawmakers that President Tinubu supports the headcount and is committed to ensuring it is conducted biometrically to enhance credibility.
Kwarra explained, “President Bola Tinubu is on the same page with this committee. He has directed us to ensure that the devices and facilities for the exercise are ready so that at the end of the day, no one will claim fishes were counted in riverine areas or cows in the North.”
The chairman emphasized that a biometric approach would minimize errors and ensure reliable data.
Budget Allocation for the Census
During his presentation, Kwarra disclosed that the NPC’s proposed budget for 2025 is N18.2 billion, with N1.17 billion allocated for overhead costs and N17.7 billion for capital projects. However, he noted that additional funding may be necessary to support the biometric census.
Avoiding Past Challenges
The senators referenced the failed attempt to conduct the census in 2022 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which was hindered by logistical and funding challenges. They stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes to avoid delays and inefficiencies.
Conclusion
As Nigeria faces pressing development needs, the Senate’s push for a population census in 2025 reflects a renewed focus on obtaining accurate data for planning and resource allocation. By integrating biometric technology, the NPC aims to ensure the exercise is credible and free from controversy. The Senate’s call for urgency signals the importance of addressing this long-standing issue to pave the way for better governance and economic planning.
