Tinubu’s Census Delay Raises Concerns

Seventeen months into President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria remains uncertain about the date for its long-awaited National Population and Housing Census. This delay has sparked concerns about national planning and governance, particularly since former President Muhammadu Buhari postponed the 2023 census indefinitely .

Nigeria’s last census was conducted in 2006, recording a population of 140 million. Since then, the country has relied on estimated figures for policy decisions, raising concerns about data accuracy for resource allocation and representation . The National Population Commission Chairman, Nasir Kwarra, revealed that about N200 billion has been spent on preparations, with over 760,000 digital devices ready for the census .

In July 2024, the NPC proposed November 2024 for the census but awaits presidential approval. Kwarra emphasized, “At the beginning of the year, we wanted to conduct a census in November, but we are waiting for that nod. If that is given, we will swing into action and before the end of 2024, we will be able to conduct a very good census for Nigeria.” He also warned that delays risk losing equipment and facilities .

Experts warn that further delays could waste resources and impede critical national planning. Professor Jimoh Isah, a former Federal Commissioner at the NPC, urged Tinubu to announce a date, stating that the commission is “99 per cent ready” to carry out the census. “The critical issue is that the government should come out and make a sound pronouncement on when the census will be held this year,” Isah said .

Political analyst Busari Dauda criticized the delay as a sign of “unseriousness” on the government’s part. The delay’s implications on national development and resource allocation remain a pressing concern. With Nigeria’s population projected to continue growing, accurate data from the census is crucial for informed policy decisions .

As Nigeria awaits the census, the National Population Commission remains prepared to conduct the exercise. The proposed digital census marks a significant shift in methodology, and experts hope President Tinubu will announce a date soon to ensure the country’s progress .