Game On: President Tinubu Kickstarts National Census Drive With New Committee

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, April 16, inaugurated a high-powered committee to supervise preparations for the upcoming National Population and Housing Census.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the committee is expected to deliver an interim report within three weeks.

President Tinubu underscored the critical importance of the census for national development, noting that accurate population data is essential for effective planning and decision-making in key areas such as healthcare, education, security, and economic policy.

Nigeria’s last census was conducted in 2006—nearly two decades ago—and recorded a population of 140,431,790, with 71,345,488 males and 69,086,302 females.

The President emphasized the need for a technology-driven census to ensure credibility and transparency, urging strong collaboration among all relevant stakeholders. He also stressed the importance of securing adequate funding, calling on committee members to explore both local and international financing avenues.

“Work closely with all key agencies, particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Without knowing our actual population, effective budgeting is impossible,” Tinubu said.

“We expect the exercise to leverage modern technology—biometrics and digital tools must drive the enumeration process, given how much things have changed since 2006.”

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila represented the President at the inauguration ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja.

Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and chair of the Presidential Committee on the Census, assured the President that the committee would meet the three-week reporting deadline.

Bagudu also referenced President Tinubu’s directive during the 2023 ministerial retreat, where he urged ministers to think creatively and maximize resources, even amid economic challenges.

Despite global financial pressures, Bagudu noted that Nigeria is making tangible progress under Tinubu’s leadership, citing improved foreign exchange stability and a promising growth outlook.