The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has criticised the delay in conducting Nigeria’s national population census, stating that it would have provided an accurate assessment of the country’s numerical strength.
The Speaker commended President Bola Tinubu for instructing the National Population Commission to conduct a biometric census, emphasising that a national headcount is long overdue.
A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, quoted Abbas as expressing his intention to meet with Tinubu after consulting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the matter.
Abbas made this announcement while receiving the board and management of the NPC, led by its Chairman, Isa Kwarra, and the Director-General, Ojogun Osifo.
Responding to the NPC Chairman, who revealed that the President had approved a biometric-based census for 2025, Abbas said, “It is unacceptable for a country as big as Nigeria to go 19 years without conducting a population census.
“Statistics don’t lie,” he added, stressing that a biometric system is the most efficient method to determine the actual population with minimal resource wastage.
“I will be part of those who will engage Mr President on the issue of conducting a census this year,” Abbas pledged.
Highlighting the commission’s inadequate budget to carry out a successful census, the Speaker suggested that the Federal Government consider alternative funding sources, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“I will discuss with my counterpart in the Senate on how to arrange a meeting with Mr President,” he added, noting that a census would be a historic achievement for Nigeria and “something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name.”
Earlier, the NPC Chairman briefed the Speaker on preparations for the census, which include acquiring technology, recruiting and training officials, establishing a situation room, and conducting advocacy and stakeholder engagements. He also sought the National Assembly’s support, particularly in securing adequate funding.
