From Our Correspondent
Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), says it will conduct the long-overdue Nigeria’s national census next year.
TheNewsZenith reports that Kwarra announced this on Thursday in Abuja.
He spoke during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
According to him, the delay in conducting the census has affected Nigeria’s ability to assess population needs and allocate resources. This is, especially, true in rural and underserved areas.
“This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups.
“This is ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning,” TheNewsZenith quotes Kwarra as stating.
Recall that Nigeria last conducted a population census in 2006.
This is despite the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to hold one every 10 years.
Read Related News:
- FG postpone 2023 Census
- Gunmen abduct NPC officials in Bayelsa
- NPC needs 37,000 workforce for 2023 census in Kwara
- Rivers LG inaugurates committee on 2023 census
- NCC: A Digital Enabler of the Renewed Hope Agenda
The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, twice postponed the census exercise, earlier scheduled for 2023.
TheNewsZenith reports that Buhari opted to allow the incoming government of President Bola Tinubu, to oversee the process.
Kwarra noted that the lack of up-to-date population data has significantly impacted decision-making across various sectors.
The NPC chairman underscored the significance of accurate data in driving social progress and inclusivity.
“The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making.
“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people.
“Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation,” he said.
Do you have a flair for Citizenship Journalism? Share stories of happenings in your area with TheNewsZenith on WhatsApp: 08033668669 or thenewszenithonline@gmail.com. Follow us on www.tiktok.com/@thenewszenithonline. Also, visit, subscribe and like our videos on YouTube @thenewszenithOnline
