Nigeria to conduct long-awaited national census in 2025, says NPC Chairman

Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), has announced that Nigeria’s long-overdue national census is now scheduled for 2025.

Speaking at the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja, Kwarra emphasized the critical role of accurate population data in resource allocation and policy planning, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

“This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning,” Kwarra noted.

Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, falling short of the United Nations’ recommendation for a decennial exercise. Efforts to hold a census in 2023 were postponed twice during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, leaving the task to the current government.

Kwarra highlighted the significant consequences of outdated data, which impede decision-making across various sectors, and underscored the importance of accurate census data for national development.

“The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making,” he said.

He further reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to inclusivity and social progress, particularly in advancing reproductive health, combating gender-based violence, and ensuring equal opportunities for women and youth.

The 2025 census aims to address these issues, providing the necessary data to foster equitable development and improved resource distribution nationwide.