President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-powered committee to oversee the upcoming national population and housing census, stressing its importance for national growth, effective governance, and strategic planning in health, education, security, and the economy.
At the inauguration held on Wednesday, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s last census—conducted in 2006—was nearly 20 years ago and recorded a population of over 140 million. He highlighted the need for modern, technology-driven methods to ensure accurate, verifiable data collection, and urged cooperation among key stakeholders and agencies.
He also underscored the importance of adequate funding, encouraging the committee to explore both local and international sources to finance the exercise. “You cannot plan a budget effectively without knowing your actual population,” he said, directing the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to take the lead.
Tinubu emphasized that biometric and digital tools must drive the enumeration process to reflect modern standards.
Chairing the committee is the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, who pledged to deliver an interim report within three weeks. He recalled Tinubu’s earlier call for creativity and resourcefulness from ministers, especially during challenging economic periods.
Bagudu noted that despite economic headwinds, Nigeria is experiencing progress under Tinubu’s leadership, with greater foreign exchange stability and a positive economic outlook. He assured the president that the committee would suggest realistic strategies, including funding models, to support the census.
Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, also stressed the value of accurate data for effective governance and reiterated that a credible census is essential for development.
Nasir Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission and the committee’s secretary, revealed that groundwork for the census is already underway in collaboration with relevant ministries. He reassured the public that the exercise will be credible, tech-driven, and instrumental in national planning.
The committee includes eight members, among them the Ministers of Finance and Information, the FIRS Chairman, NIMC Director General, the President’s Principal Secretary, and his Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Operations.
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