The Nigerian government has confirmed that the long-awaited national population census will take place in 2025, marking the first such exercise since 2006.
This announcement was made by Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), during a ceremony in Abuja commemorating the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on Population and Development.
Initially scheduled for 2023, the census was delayed twice under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, primarily due to the transition to a new government.
The gap of nearly two decades without an updated national census has left Nigeria without crucial demographic data, significantly hindering the planning and implementation of essential policies.
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Kwarra highlighted the importance of the census for Nigeria’s future, noting that the lack of accurate population figures has impaired efforts in several key areas, such as resource distribution, maternal health, family planning, and gender equality.
“Accurate population data is vital for addressing issues that affect women, girls, and young people, as these challenges are deeply connected to the broader economic and societal development,” Kwarra emphasized.
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