NPC CHAIRMAN HOSTS NIGERIA COMPUTER SOCIETY DELEGATION, AFFIRMS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO BIOMETRIC CENSUS

The Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to Nigeria’s first biometric Population and Housing Census.

He disclosed that President Tinubu has long advocated for a biometric census even prior to the United Nations' recommendation to incorporate biometric features in the 2030 round of censuses, which began this year.

Hon. Kwarra stated this when he received in audience a delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) led by its National President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, at the NPC's Headquarters in Abuja on 13th March 2025.

NPC Chairman revealed that the biometric census aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of population data, which is vital for national planning and development.

"The inclusion of biometric features such as fingerprint, facial, and voice recognition will ensure the census is both accurate and verifiable," Hon. Kwarra stated. He highlighted that the biometric approach will also help dispel past controversies regarding allegations of inflated population figures in various regions.

Hon. Kwarra further announced the NPC's commitment to an environmentally friendly census process. He said that by leveraging digital technologies, the NPC plans to implement a largely paperless operation, significantly reducing paper waste and minimizing carbon emissions associated with traditional census methods.

He reported that the NPC has already generated geospatial data through Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) across all 774 local government areas using Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology, adding that this effort was bolstered by the launch of the National Geospatial Repository Database by President Tinubu in November 2023. He said that the Commission has procured 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for the upcoming census.

Hon. Kwarra stated that in preparation for the upcoming census, the NPC has built two digital data centers and developed homegrown software applications for EAD and Census operations. Additionally, the Commission has digitized the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system in collaboration with Barnksforte Technologies Limited, creating a digital application called VITALREG.

Hon. Kwarra expressed optimism about collaborating with the NCS and other organizations to facilitate a smooth census implementation. "Your Society is one of the organizations we want to work with. We will engage NCS members and IT professionals in the upcoming census, starting with the training of trainers stage," he noted.

Earlier, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, the NCS National President, emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, "With over 20,000 members nationwide, we are positioned to support the NPC in delivering its mandate, particularly for the Population and Housing Census." He praised the NPC's digitalization efforts, underscoring their potential to eliminate data duplication and enhance overall efficiency.

He pointed out that the NCS serves as the umbrella body for all IT professionals, interest groups and stakeholders, and has championed the creation, usage and deployment of IT-based systems in Nigeria for over four decades.

Dr. Aliyu discussed collaborative programmes the NCS could support the NPC with, adding that the Society has provided similar initiatives for several MDAs. He advocated for greater public awareness to foster support and cooperation for NPC activities.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NPC, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, reiterated the importance of a biometric census in creating a comprehensive and verifiable database of Nigeria's population.

Key NPC officials present at the meeting include, Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, various directors and management staff.