STRENGTHENING TIES FOR ACCURATE REPORTING: NPC CHAIRMAN HOSTS BLUEPRINT NEWSPAPERS MANAGEMENT

Today, 11th March 2025, in a significant meeting aimed at enhancing collaboration, the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, welcomed the management team of Blueprint Newspaper Ltd, led by Managing Director/CEO Mr. Salisu Umar, at the NPC headquarters in Abuja.

The visit focused on solidifying the existing relationship between Blueprint Newspapers Ltd and the NPC, with particular emphasis on promoting the Commission's activities, especially the highly anticipated Population and Housing Census.

During the meeting, the MD/CEO of Blueprint Newspapers Ltd, Mr. Umar stressed the critical importance of partnering with the NPC to ensure accurate and timely reporting. “We want to see how we can contribute to the success of the next census. We don’t want to sit in our office to write what others are reporting. We want to get correct and first-hand information from the NPC,” he asserted.

He highlighted the growing public curiosity about the upcoming census, noting that without reliable data, effective planning becomes exceedingly challenging.

In his remarks, NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra expressed his appreciation for the visit, affirming that the NPC values its relationship with the media. He pointed out that the Blueprint Newspapers reporter is part of the NPC Press Corps, emphasizing the need for accurate reporting to educate and sensitize the public about the Commission's activities and their significance.

The NPC Chairman elaborated on the Commission's structure and mandates, revealing advancements such as the digitalization of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system. He acknowledged that Nigeria had missed the 2020 round of censuses but is now poised to be among the first countries to conduct a census under the 2030 round, which will incorporate biometric features. “After the biometric census, we need to rely on effective e-CRVS to capture changes in demography,” he added.

Hon. Kwarra also disclosed that he had recently met with President Bola Tinubu regarding the upcoming biometric census. The President has directed the establishment of a committee to align the census budget with the government's current financial realities.

Furthermore, he noted that the NPC has generated geospatial data essential for the nation’s planning and development.

Following the NPC Chairman's remarks and a presentation on the geospatial data repository, Mr. Umar expressed his admiration for the NPC’s achievements, acknowledging the Commission’s impressive strides in improving data collection and management.

The meeting was attended by key NPC officials, including Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, various directors, and technical staff, all committed to fostering a productive partnership with the media to ensure the success of the upcoming census and beyond.