FG to Conduct National Census in 2025 – NPC

Nasir Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), has announced that Nigeria will hold its next population and housing census in 2025, nearly two decades after the last census in 2006. He made the announcement during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development, which took place in Abuja on Thursday. Kwarra acknowledged the long delay, emphasizing that a reliable and accurate census is crucial for informed decision-making. He reassured that the government is committed to conducting the census next year. The announcement comes 18 years after Nigeria’s last census, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to conduct population counts every decade. Plans for a 2023 census were postponed during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, with the delay attributed to the desire for the incoming government to oversee the process. During the event, Kwarra highlighted the significant consequences of the delay, particularly its impact on effective resource allocation and decision-making. He also pointed out the importance of accurate data in addressing issues in rural and underserved communities. Additionally, Kwarra noted that the failure to conduct timely censuses has hindered progress in areas like sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence prevention, and inclusivity. He stressed that these issues are not only health-related but also fundamental to social and economic justice, as they limit opportunities and potential for individuals, particularly women, girls, and youth. Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also spoke at the event, pledging ongoing support for the ICPD agenda. She called for collaboration among private, philanthropic, and multi-sector stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the initiative’s goals.