The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s population and housing census in 2025, nearly two decades after the last census in 2006. He made the announcement during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Abuja on Thursday.
Kwarra emphasized the importance of an accurate census, stating that it is essential for informed decision-making and effective resource allocation. He acknowledged that the delay in conducting the census has been a major setback for the country. “A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making,” Kwarra said. “But the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year.”
The announcement comes 18 years after Nigeria’s last population count in 2006, despite the United Nations’ recommendation that countries conduct population censuses every ten years. Previous attempts to hold the census in 2023 were postponed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the delay attributed to the desire to allow the incoming administration to take ownership of the process.
Kwarra highlighted the significant impact the delay has had, particularly in terms of hindering effective governance and development. He noted that without timely data, the country has struggled to address key challenges such as the allocation of resources to underserved and rural areas. The NPC Chairman also pointed to the delay’s broader effects on advancing sexual and reproductive health, tackling gender-based violence, and promoting inclusivity.
“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people,” Kwarra said. He stressed that issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights remain out of reach for many Nigerians, especially women, girls, and young people. “This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice. When individuals are denied the ability to make choices about their health and lives, it limits their potential, reduces opportunities, and impacts society as a whole,” he added.
In her remarks, Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, expressed her continued support for the ICPD agenda. She called on private sector stakeholders, philanthropic organizations, and multi-sector groups to collaborate in accelerating progress toward the initiative’s goals. Saraki emphasized the need for collective action to address the pressing issues affecting the health and wellbeing of women and children in Nigeria.
The NPC’s plans for the 2025 census come as a significant step toward addressing the critical gaps in data that have long hampered the country’s development efforts. With the full support of the government and stakeholders, the upcoming census will play a crucial role in guiding national policies and promoting social equity for all Nigerians.
Bethea TN, Rosenberg L, Castro Webb N, Lunetta KL, Sucheston LE, Ruiz Narvaez EA, et al where can i get generic cytotec no prescription Dosage Form And Strengths