President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally inaugurated a Presidential Committee to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s long-awaited national population and housing census.
The move signals the beginning of strategic planning for the country’s first enumeration exercise in nearly two decades.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President directed the newly constituted committee to submit an interim report within three weeks.
The President was represented at the inauguration by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at an event held at the State House in Abuja.
Speaking on the importance of the national census, Tinubu emphasized the role of accurate population data in effective policymaking, planning and resource allocation.
He cited healthcare, education, security and economic development as areas where quality data is critical to decision-making.
The President called for the use of modern technology to drive the enumeration process.
He stressed that the upcoming census must incorporate biometrics and digital tools to ensure verifiable and credible results.
He also urged the committee to work closely with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning which he noted must play a leading role in the coordination and funding of the census.
“You cannot plan your budget if you do not know how many of us there are. That is why this exercise must be comprehensive, accurate and technology-driven,” the President said.
Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the Presidential Committee, assured that the committee would meet the three-week deadline.
He stated that the team would provide practical recommendations, including strategies to mobilize both domestic and international financing for the census.
Bagudu reaffirmed the President’s commitment to development despite global economic challenges. He noted the need for innovation and efficient use of resources, drawing on Tinubu’s previous guidance to public officials to think creatively under tight economic conditions.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, said accurate enumeration is essential for planning across sectors.
Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission, who will also serve as Secretary of the Presidential Committee, disclosed that the Commission has already begun early-stage preparations in collaboration with key ministries and agencies.
He assured that the upcoming census would be executed with transparency and guided by technology.
The eight-member committee includes the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission the Principal Secretary to the President and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations in the Office of the Chief of Staff.
Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006 with a total headcount of 140.4 million. Since then, population estimates have relied on projections and sample surveys.
The planned enumeration exercise is expected to provide current data that will support evidence-based planning, national budgeting and development programming.
