NPC expresses concern over  usage of 2006 Census, says it creates global data gap

NPC expresses concern over  usage of 2006 Census, says it creates global data gap

The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra has expressed a deep concern over the continuous usage of the 2006 Census and projections for the estimation of Nigeria’s population as it has created a data gap in the global population.

Kwarra disclosed this during a retreat for the chairman and members of the House Committee on Population, held in Abuja over the weekend, adding that the  approach does not reflect well on the nation’s reputation.

According to him, the country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last census conducted in 2006 has been rendered less useful for planning purposes.

He explained that Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations, with a growth rate of 3.2% and an estimated population of about 216 million.

On his part, capturing the essential dynamics of such a population requires the regular conduct of censuses, preferably every 10 years, as recommended by the United Nations.

“Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The people are both agents and beneficiaries of the development process.

“Knowledge of the country’s population in terms of size, distribution, and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes. This therefore makes the conduct of the census an essential governance activity,” he said.

To this end, he stressed the need for the next population and housing census.

He said preparations for the conduct of the next census have reached an advanced stage with the demarcation of all the LGAs in the country into enumeration areas.

“The demarcation exercise began in 2015, and further delay in conducting the next census will make the products thereof less optimal for the next census given the rapidly changing environmental landscape and settlement patterns in the country.”

He further noted the need to ensure that the implementation of poverty alleviation programmes is driven by current data from the next census.

“This will improve the implementation of these programmes that target vulnerable populations and ensure we “leave no one behind.”

While noting the country’s current economic recession, which has reduced revenue available to the government amidst competing demands, the chairman, speaking through the Federal Commissioner in charge of Niger State, Muhammad Dattijo Usman, emphasised that conducting the next census is a significant investment that the nation must undertake to propel Nigeria towards economic prosperity through proper planning and optimal allocation of resources.

“The Commission is also not unmindful of concerns that have been expressed over security challenges in the country.”

“However, with the recent successes recorded by our gallant security forces in the fight against insecurity and the successful demarcation of the country, we believe that the security situation will be mitigated before the census,” he assured.