Tinubu pushes for accurate data, digital census to drive national planning
By Kunle Sanni
President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to determine “who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data” as the nation prepares for its first national census in nearly two decades.
During a meeting with officials from the National Population Commission (NPC) at the State House on Monday, President Tinubu announced plans to establish a committee to align the census budget with the government’s current financial realities.
He also stressed the need for collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure a comprehensive and accurate process.
“Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty,” Tinubu stated. “So many problems arise without reliable data.”
The President highlighted that the upcoming census would incorporate biometric capturing and digital technology, including facial and voice recognition, to enhance accuracy and prevent duplication.
He emphasized the importance of precise population data for effective development planning, equitable resource distribution, and improved social security measures.
Tinubu also pointed out that government programs, such as fertilizer distribution for farmers, could be better managed with up-to-date demographic information.
The President made it clear that there would be no further delays. “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. We must have a definite path forward. I will set up a committee to critically examine the issues, assess resources, and determine how much we can achieve before seeking help from development partners.”
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, emphasized the importance of the census for future planning and resource allocation. He reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the exercise while noting that financial constraints remain a primary challenge.
Bagudu also revealed that in the 2006 census, 40% of the funding came from development partners. He said efforts are underway to integrate data from various agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), NIMC, voter registers, and telecom data, to optimize resources and avoid duplication.
NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra stressed the urgency of conducting a new census, noting that the last population count in 2006 was outdated for effective planning, particularly in sectors directly affecting citizens.
Kwarra disclosed that the commission had already procured 760,000 tablets, currently stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in preparation for the exercise.
He assured that the NPC would engage with development partners once the President officially proclaimed the new census.
