Tinubu inaugurates census committee, demands report in three weeks
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee to oversee the planning and execution of Nigeria’s long-awaited national population and housing census, directing members to submit an interim report within three weeks.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President described the census as vital to national development and effective policymaking. He emphasized that credible data is essential for sound decisions in sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and economic planning.
Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, recording a population of over 140 million. Nearly two decades later, Tinubu said it was time to update the nation’s demographic profile using modern tools. He stressed the need for a technology-driven approach, including biometrics and digital enumeration, to ensure accuracy and transparency.
“The enumeration has to be technology-driven. Things have changed since the last time we conducted this exercise,” Tinubu said. “You cannot budget if you do not know how many we are.”
He also charged the committee to explore both domestic and international funding options, noting the importance of collaboration among government ministries and agencies—particularly the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, which will lead the process.
Chairing the committee, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, pledged that the group would meet its three-week reporting deadline. He assured the President that the committee would develop practical, resource-efficient strategies, even in the face of economic challenges.
Bagudu also cited recent progress under Tinubu’s administration—including improved foreign exchange stability—as a sign of the government’s growing capacity to support major national initiatives like the census.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, also a committee member, emphasized the value of accurate demographic data for effective development planning.
