President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming National Population and Housing Census. The committee is expected to submit an interim report within three weeks.
Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday—represented by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila—President Tinubu emphasized the census’s vital role in national development, especially for effective planning in healthcare, education, security, and the economy.
Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, recording a population of 140.4 million. Tinubu stressed the need for a modern, technology-driven enumeration process to ensure credible and verifiable results. He also highlighted the importance of cross-agency collaboration and adequate funding.
“Work closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. You can’t plan or budget effectively without knowing the population,” the President said. “The census must be digital, biometric-based, and aligned with current technological standards.”
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and chairman of the committee, assured that the interim report would be ready within the deadline. He also reiterated Tinubu’s earlier charge to ministers to think creatively and work with available resources despite economic constraints.
Bagudu cited progress under Tinubu’s leadership, including foreign exchange stabilization and positive growth indicators, and said the committee would explore domestic and international funding options for the census.
Information Minister Muhammed Idris, also a committee member, underscored the importance of accurate data for policy-making and development. NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will serve as secretary, said preparations are already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and relevant stakeholders.
Kwarra assured Nigerians of the commission’s commitment to a credible, technology-driven census that supports effective national planning.
The eight-member committee includes the Minister of Finance, FIRS Chairman, NIMC Director General, the President’s Principal Secretary, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations.
