Reliable population data key to national development – Bagudu

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, has emphasised the importance of reliable population data for sustainable national development and effective policymaking.

Bagudu spoke during a familiarisation visit by the Chairman of the National Population Commission, Aminu Yusuf, who led a delegation of federal commissioners and senior officials to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The minister congratulated Yusuf on his appointment and assured the commission of the federal government’s support, noting that the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises the strategic role of credible population data in tackling Nigeria’s development challenges.

According to Bagudu, dependable demographic information is vital for national planning, equitable resource distribution and the formulation of policies that respond to citizens’ needs.

“If we truly want to solve Nigeria’s problems, we must be deliberate about understanding and organising our resources, especially our people,” he said, adding that meaningful development cannot occur without accurate information about the country’s population and living conditions.

He noted that Nigeria’s growing population could become a major development advantage if properly managed, drawing comparisons with countries such as China and India, where large populations support economic growth through effective planning.

Bagudu also acknowledged the financial challenges associated with conducting a modern national census but assured that the federal government is exploring innovative funding options, including collaboration with development partners, to ensure its successful implementation.

In his remarks, Yusuf said the commission is working towards developing a modern, technology-driven population data management system, including preparations for a credible population and housing census and the expansion and digitalisation of Nigeria’s civil registration system.