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ABUJA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s long-overdue population and housing census in 2025, 18 years after the last exercise in 2006.
NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra disclosed the development on Thursday during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Abuja.
“A major setback that we face is the delay in conducting a Population and Housing Census,” Kwarra said. “A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making. The government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year.”
The announcement follows a failed attempt to conduct the census in 2023, postponed by the outgoing administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, which argued that it was better left to the incoming government.
Kwarra emphasized that Nigeria’s prolonged gap between censuses—despite the United Nations’ recommendation for a decennial count—has hindered progress in national development, resource allocation, and addressing critical social issues.
“The lack of precise population data affects informed decision-making and implementation,” he said. “This gap has particularly hampered efforts to advance sexual and reproductive health rights, eliminate gender-based violence, and promote inclusivity.”
Highlighting the broader implications, Kwarra added: “For many in our communities—particularly women, girls, and young people—sexual and reproductive health rights remain out of reach. This is not just a health issue; it is an issue of social and economic justice.”
Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, echoed these sentiments, calling for collaboration among private, philanthropic, and multi-sector stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda.
“Our focus must remain on inclusivity, empowering individuals, and addressing challenges head-on to ensure equal opportunities for all,” Saraki said.
