The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed concerns over the delay in conducting Nigeria’s national population census, which he believes would have provided a more accurate assessment of the country’s population.
Abbas commended President Bola Tinubu for directing the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a biometric census, underscoring that a national headcount is long overdue.
A statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, by Abbas’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, revealed that the Speaker intends to meet with President Tinubu after consulting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio regarding the matter.
While receiving the board and management of the NPC, led by its Chairman, Isa Kwarra, and Director-General Ojogun Osifo, Abbas remarked, “It is unacceptable for a country as big as Nigeria to go 19 years without conducting a population census.”
He emphasised that statistics are crucial, noting that a biometric system is the most efficient method for determining the country’s true population while minimising resource wastage.
The Speaker expressed his intention to engage with the President on the issue, pledging to advocate for the timely conduct of the census in 2025.
He also highlighted the NPC’s inadequate budget for the task and suggested that alternative funding sources, such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund, be considered to ensure the successful execution of the census.
Abbas added that he would work with his Senate counterpart to arrange a meeting with President Tinubu, describing the census as a historic achievement that could solidify the President’s legacy.
The NPC Chairman also briefed the Speaker on the preparations for the census, including the acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, and establishing a situation room, while seeking the National Assembly’s support for adequate funding.
