For nearly two decades, Nigeria has operated without accurate population data, forcing the government, businesses, and international organizations to rely on estimates rather than verified statistics. This has created a wide gap in planning, leaving critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development in disarray. President Bola Tinubu has now taken a decisive step to address this issue by moving forward with the long-overdue National Population and Housing Census. The exercise, which will be Nigeria’s first fully digital and biometric census, is expected to provide accurate and comprehensive demographic data that will shape the country’s policies and economic future.
President Tinubu made this announcement at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a meeting with officials of the National Population Commission. He emphasized that a credible census is essential for national development, highlighting that without precise data, the country cannot effectively plan for employment, food security, social security programs, and other key initiatives. He stressed that Nigeria must first understand its own population before seeking to implement policies that will impact its citizens. The move to conduct a census is not just about counting people but about securing Nigeria’s future and ensuring that resources are allocated based on real data rather than assumptions.
Nigeria’s last official census took place in November 2006, and since then, the population has grown exponentially. Current estimates suggest that the country has over 220 million people, making it the most populous nation in Africa and the seventh-most populous in the world. However, without accurate data, this figure remains speculative, leaving the government unable to properly plan for the distribution of resources. The lack of reliable statistics has affected the country’s ability to provide essential services, from healthcare to education, infrastructure to social programs. In some cases, government interventions have been based on outdated numbers, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.
To modernize the process and eliminate errors of the past, President Tinubu has directed that the upcoming census incorporate biometric and digital technology. This means that every Nigerian counted will have their information captured using multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition. By integrating biometric technology, the government aims to prevent duplication, manipulation, and inaccuracies that have plagued previous censuses. The National Identity Management Commission will also be involved to ensure that the census aligns with the country’s national identification system, further strengthening the reliability of the data collected.
One of the biggest challenges facing the census is funding. Conducting a nationwide, technology-driven enumeration exercise requires significant financial resources, and Nigeria’s current economic struggles raise concerns about how the project will be funded. President Tinubu acknowledged this reality and announced plans to set up a special committee to align the census budget with Nigeria’s financial realities. This committee will analyze the costs and explore potential funding sources, including partnerships with international development agencies. In 2006, development partners contributed 40 percent of the total census budget, and there is hope that similar assistance will be available this time. However, President Tinubu has made it clear that Nigeria must first determine how much of the census cost it can shoulder internally before reaching out to external partners.
Beyond funding, there are political and ethnic complexities that must be addressed to ensure the credibility of the census. Historically, census figures in Nigeria have been highly controversial, with allegations of manipulation to favor certain regions or political interests. These disputes have led to tensions and, in some cases, outright rejection of census results. Given Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape, concerns have been raised about how population figures will be used in determining government representation, revenue allocation, and economic investments. To prevent disputes, the National Population Commission has assured Nigerians that the census process will be transparent and closely monitored by independent observers, international organizations, and civil society groups. The use of digital technology and biometric verification is also expected to reduce cases of fraud and ensure that the results reflect the true population of the country.
President Tinubu has made it clear that this will not be a stop-and-go activity. He has directed government agencies to ensure that there is a concrete and realistic plan in place before the official proclamation of the census. His administration is working closely with key stakeholders, including the National Population Commission, National Identity Management Commission, and other data management agencies, to ensure that all resources, including technological infrastructure and personnel, are properly aligned. The government has already acquired 760,000 digital tablets to be used for the census, which are currently stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria. These devices will allow enumerators to collect data more efficiently and reduce errors associated with manual entry.
While the timeline for the census has not yet been officially announced, the next steps will involve budget finalization, public awareness campaigns, and the training of census staff. President Tinubu is expected to issue an official proclamation once all necessary preparations have been completed. The success of the census will depend on the cooperation of all Nigerians, and efforts will be made to educate the public on the importance of participation. Unlike past censuses, where large portions of the population were left out due to logistical challenges, the new digital approach aims to ensure that every citizen is counted accurately.
A credible national census is more than just a population count. It is the foundation for Nigeria’s economic and social progress. With accurate demographic data, the government will be able to implement targeted policies that address issues such as unemployment, housing shortages, healthcare access, and agricultural development. Reliable population figures will also be essential in ensuring fair representation in government, equitable distribution of resources, and strategic planning for Nigeria’s future. If conducted properly, this census will provide the data needed to transform the country and drive sustainable development.
With the economic, political, and technological challenges ahead, Nigerians must remain engaged in the process and demand transparency at every stage. The government has assured that it is committed to delivering a census that is credible, inclusive, and reflective of the true population. As preparations continue, the world will be watching to see how Nigeria navigates this critical exercise.
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