NPC CHAIRMAN MEETS SENATE COMMITTEE LEADER, SOLICITS SUPPORT FOR UPCOMING CENSUS

Today, 17th February 2025, the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, fnsa, and his team visited the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population, Senator Victor Umeh, OFR, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

The courtesy visit aimed to congratulate Sen. Umeh on his recent appointment and discuss collaborative efforts to ensure the successful conduct of NPC activities, particularly the upcoming Population and Housing Census.

Recall that Sen. Victor Umeh succeeded Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population following a minor reshuffle of various committees' leadership announced by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON earlier this month.

Senator Umeh warmly welcomed the NPC delegation and underscored the critical importance of obtaining accurate population figures and characteristics. He stated, “Reliable data is essential for the effective distribution of palliative initiatives,” referencing the challenges that arise from inaccurate demographic information.

Highlighting a transformative approach for the upcoming census, Sen. Umeh assured the NPC team of the Senate's support. “Unlike previous censuses, the deployment of modern technology and biometric features in the upcoming Census will streamline processes, enhance data accuracy and ensure credible outcomes,” he said.

Sen. Umeh further pledged his commitment to facilitating a meeting between the NPC and the Senate President, aiming to engage President Bola Tinubu to officially proclaim the census date. “The Senate President is committed to supporting the NPC, and I will advocate for the necessary discussions to ensure we move forward swiftly,” he added.

During the meeting, the NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra briefed Sen. Umeh on the NPC’s mandate and the current status of preparations for the census. He called for the backing of the National Assembly to secure timely and effective execution of Nigeria's first biometric census.

Accompanying Hon. Kwarra were key NPC officials, including Federal Commissioner for Anambra State, Hon. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke, mni; Federal Commissioner for Taraba State, Hon. Sule Saany Sale; Federal Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Tony Aiyejina; Federal Commissioner, Ebonyi State, Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwagu; Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun; Director Census Department, Dr. Inuwa Jalingo; Director Account Department, Hajia Zainab Agbaje; Census Manager, Mrs. Titilayo Hammed; Deputy Director/Protocol to Chairman, Mr. Azeez Amoo and other senior staff.

Their collective presence underscores the NPC's dedication to ensuring that the upcoming census is not only a historic milestone but also a cornerstone for evidence-based planning in Nigeria.

As Nigeria stands on the brink of this pivotal census, the collaboration between the NPC and the Senate Committee signals a promising step toward accurate and reliable demographic data essential for national development.