President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level presidential committee on the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy in a statement on Wednesday said the president set a three-week deadline for the submission of an interim report.
Tinubu was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the inauguration ceremony held at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.
He emphasised the importance of the census for national development, policy planning, and efficient resource allocation in key sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and the economy.
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“Nigeria’s last census was in 2006. Accurate data is essential for sound budgeting, and a credible census is central to this effort,” the President said.
“We expect a technology-driven enumeration process, incorporating biometrics and digital tools to ensure credibility and transparency.”
Highlighting funding as a critical component, Tinubu tasked the committee with exploring both domestic and international financing options.
He also urged collaboration with all relevant agencies, especially the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which he said should lead the coordination of the census process.
Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and Chair of the newly formed committee, assured the President of the committee’s readiness to meet the deadline.
He recalled the President’s call for innovation during a ministerial retreat in 2023, urging public servants to deliver results even in challenging economic conditions.
Bagudu said the committee would develop practical strategies, including resource mobilisation plans, to ensure a successful and well-funded census.
Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, also a member of the committee, underscored the importance of accurate data to national planning, describing the census as the foundation of development efforts across all sectors.
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, who will serve as the committee’s Secretary, confirmed that preparations were already underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget and other stakeholders.
He affirmed the commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent, technology-based enumeration process.
The eight-member committee also includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); the Principal Private Secretary to the President; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff).
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Nigeria’s last census in 2006 recorded a population of 140,431,790—comprising 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.
With the 2025 census on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that the upcoming exercise will provide a reliable demographic foundation for future policy and planning.
