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NIGERIA TO CONDUCT NATIONAL CENSUS IN 2025
National Population Commission (NPC)
The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced that Nigeria’s long-delayed national census will finally be conducted in 2025.
The Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Isa Kwarra, made the announcement on Thursday at the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja.
The lack of a recent census has hampered the country’s ability to accurately assess population needs and allocate resources effectively, particularly in underserved 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 stated.
The last national census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006, falling short of the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to hold a census every 10 years.
The exercise, initially planned for 2023, was postponed twice under the previous administration. The current government has opted to conduct the census in 2025.
Kwarra stressed the critical role of accurate population data in informed decision-making across all sectors.
“The major setback Nigeria faces is the delay in conducting a population and housing census, which is fundamental for informed decision-making,” he noted.
He reiterated the importance of accurate data in driving social progress and inclusivity.
“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,” Kwarra said.
