SEN. BAGUDU CLARIFIES ROLE OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL CENSUS

SEN. BAGUDU CLARIFIES ROLE OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL CENSUS

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the newly inaugurated Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census, has clarified that the Committee operates distinctly in purpose from the National Population Commission (NPC), the constitutionally mandated body responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting censuses in Nigeria. He said that the NPC composition includes a Chairman and Federal Commissioners representing each of the 36 States and the FCT—appointed by the President, in consultation with the National Council of State, and confirmed by the National Assembly.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Committee held at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning office in Abuja today, 22nd April 2025, Sen. Bagudu emphasized that this ad-hoc advisory body is tasked with providing targeted guidance on specific planning and resource allocation areas for the census. He noted that members were appointed based on the strategic responsibilities of their offices and that the Committee's role is to advise strictly within its terms of reference, which include:

Conducting a thorough review of the existing census budget to align it with current fiscal realities and national priorities.

Recommending feasible funding sources for the census, distinguishing between domestic resources and external partnerships.

Developing a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy that engages potential development partners, international agencies, and domestic private sector entities.

Assessing the existing preparations, logistics, and technical capacities of the NPC, recommending areas needing immediate strengthening.

Suggesting an optimal and realistic date for the next Population and Housing Census, considering funding availability and other national factors.

Sen. Bagudu conveyed the regards of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who established the Committee to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of the upcoming census. He revealed that the NPC recently briefed the President on plans for a digital census that incorporates biometric methods, including fingerprint and facial recognition technologies, with a substantial budget proposal of ₦949 billion submitted to support this initiative.

The Minister reiterated President Tinubu's emphasis on ensuring the census aligns with current fiscal conditions, prompting the formation of this Committee to provide strategic guidance on financing, coordination, and timelines for the census.

Highlighting the significance of a national census as a vital investment in evidence-based governance, particularly amidst challenges in urbanization, security, and public health, Sen. Bagudu urged Committee members to approach their tasks with professionalism and a commitment to excellence, aiming to deliver preliminary recommendations within three weeks.

"In service of the Nigerian people, let this Committee's work mark a turning point toward a data-driven future," he concluded, underscoring the urgency and importance of the Committee's objectives.

In his address, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, who also serves as Secretary of the Committee, briefed members on the implementation status of the upcoming biometric Population and Housing Census. He detailed completed activities related to the Census and outstanding tasks that remain.

Hon. Kwarra noted that the next Census would address the data gap from the last Census conducted 19 years ago in 2006, which has become obsolete for effective planning in a rapidly growing nation like Nigeria.

Minister of Information and National Orientation and member of the Committee, Mohammed Idris Malagi, emphasized President Tinubu's commitment to the upcoming census but noted the necessity of securing funding before announcing the census date. He advocated for the integration of biometric data and improved collaboration among various agencies to reduce costs associated with the census.

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and a member of the Committee, pledged to support the NPC’s efforts in conducting a successful biometric census, stating, "We will liaise with the NPC and see how we can integrate our data to reduce cost."

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), represented by Director Legal and Management Secretary, Egodi Adedeji, suggested replacing hard copy manuals with electronic copies and offering PDAs as compensation for ad-hoc workers to help reduce the census budget.

Other speakers acknowledged the importance of the census for national development and proposed various strategies to lower the census budget, enabling the President to issue a proclamation for the census exercise.

The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene on Friday, 25th April 2025, to enable them to meet the three-week deadline set by the President for the Committee to submit its initial recommendations.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Admin), Office of the Chief of Staff to the President and Member of the Committee, Mrs Nathan-Marsh, the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom S. mni, the representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Chiroma Ahmed, the NPC Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, and other key officials of the Commission were also in attendance.

Meanwhile, this Committee was inaugurated by President Tinubu through his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on 16th April 2025.