BREAKING: Nigeria to Conduct National Census in 2025 After Nearly Two-Decade Delay

BREAKING: Nigeria to Conduct National Census in 2025 After Nearly Two-Decade Delay

  • Nigeria's first population census since 2006 has been scheduled for 2025, addressing nearly two decades of demographic data gaps
  • NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra emphasizes the critical role of accurate population data in resource allocation and improving public health services
  • Delays under previous administrations postponed the census twice, showcasing the need for a comprehensive and timely exercise

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that Nigeria’s long-awaited national census will be conducted in 2025.

This marks the first census in the country since 2006, breaking the United Nations' guideline for nations to hold censuses every decade.

BREAKING: Nigeria to Conduct National Census in 2025 After Nearly Two-Decade Delay
BREAKING: Nigeria to Conduct National Census in 2025 After Nearly Two-Decade Delay
Source: Facebook

Kwarra made this declaration on Thursday during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja.

He emphasized the critical impact of the delay on national development, particularly in resource allocation and demographic planning.

“This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning,” Kwarra stated.

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He also noted that the absence of accurate population data has created significant challenges in addressing reproductive health needs, reducing maternal mortality, and improving access to family planning.

The census was originally scheduled for 2023 but was postponed twice under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Editor) Basit Jamiu is a journalist with more than five years of experience. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ekiti State University (2018). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022), and Staff Writer at The Movee (2018). He is a 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow, OCRP Fellow at ICIR, and Accountability Fellow at CJID. Email: basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.