NPC to conduct 2023 census with new technology, says commissioner
By Richard Thomas, Ibadan
Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji said the commission will be using latest technology to ensure accuracy of the 2023 national census exercise.
He said that the technologies are first if its kind which have not been used by any country before.
Dr Oyetunji spoke at the second level management training workshop, held at Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
“The technology we are using is one of its kind, it has not been used by any country. When we talk about digital census, it is not just about data collection but also in terms of data management.
“For the first time, we are going to have a data that is geographically defined. In order words, when we have counted people, we are going to identify the building the persons are residing.
“We are also going to use satellite images which will have photographs of every building in Nigeria. Also in geo reference location. When we say there are four households in a building, we will see the four households and be able to have accuracy in the exercise,” he said.
According to him, the NPC already has a multifaceted strategy to carry out the exercise, adding that the first step is to receive the support and understanding of the people before embarking on the counting exercise.
Dr. Oyetunji said the commission could not conduct census exercise in the countr 16 years ago due to some reasons, which included change of administrations.
“We couldn’t do the exercise during President Goodluck Jonathan administration, and as we came into President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in 2015, it was considered too early to conduct the exercise immediately. It is hope that all of these will be corrected in no distance future.
“We are happy that Mr. President has courageously given approval for the census to hold in 2023,” he added.
Dr Oyetunji said the commission is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the results of the census are acceptable to Nigerians and that the quality of data to be generated meets international best standard for planning and development purposes.
