BIOMETRIC CENSUS IS THE GAME-CHANGER FOR ACCURATE POPULATION DATA IN NIGERIA, SAYS SPEAKER TAJUDEEN

In a significant stride towards obtaining accurate demographic data, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has declared that the upcoming biometric census is essential for obtaining accurate population figures in Nigeria.

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen made this statement when the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and his team paid a courtesy visit to him in Abuja today, 28th January 2025.

The Speaker of House of Representatives expressed his satisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to a biometric-based census, emphasizing its potential to end the reliance on outdated population estimates.

"Many believe that Nigeria's population is not as high as projected," he noted, referencing low voter turnout and school enrollment figures that contradict these estimates.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, the Speaker voiced concerns over delays in conducting the census, which have resulted in significant data gaps.

"We must ensure that the next census occurs this year because, by 2026, election campaigns will divert our attention," he urged, asserting that timely action would immortalize President Tinubu as the leader responsible for Nigeria's first biometric census.

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen promised to engage with President Tinubu to prioritize the census. ‘President Tinubu deeply respects the National Assembly as a former parliamentarian, and we believe that this engagement would lead to the census being conducted this year," he noted.

He stressed the importance of securing adequate funding for the NPC and assured the Commission of the House of Representatives’ support. He acknowledged that the NPC’s current budget for 2025 may fall short of what is required to conduct the next census, but remained optimistic that with political will, alternative funding sources could be explored.

In his remarks, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra sought the National Assembly's assistance in securing funds for the 2025 Population and Housing Census and other activities of the NPC. He said that the next Population and Housing Census will be biometric-based aligning with the recommendations of the 2030 round of censuses and President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He outlined the Commission's progress in preparation for the census, originally scheduled for 2023. Key achievements include the successful completion of Enumeration Area Demarcation across 774 LGAs, the development of a National EA Frame, the launch of a digital recruitment platform for ad-hoc staff, the Pretests and Trial Census to validate tools and methodologies; the procurement of 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for census operations; and the set up of Census Situation Room for real-time monitoring of census activities.

Hon. Kwarra also highlighted ongoing advocacy efforts to engage critical stakeholders, reinforcing the census's importance. He assured that despite previous postponements, the NPC remains committed to its preparations and is awaiting a presidential proclamation to proceed.

Emphasizing the NPC's critical role in national development, Kwarra reaffirmed the Commission's mandate to collect and analyze demographic data, register births and deaths, and implement the National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development (NPP). He concluded by thanking the Speaker for his support and collaboration.

As Nigeria gears up for this transformative census, the hope is that the biometric approach will not only enhance data accuracy but also pave the way for informed policymaking and sustainable development in the country.