Abuja, Nigeria — The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has announced that Nigeria will conduct its long-delayed Population and Housing Census in 2025, nearly two decades after the last exercise in 2006.
Kwarra revealed the plans during the 2024 commemoration of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Abuja on Thursday.
“A major setback that we face is the delay in conducting a Population and Housing Census. A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making,” Kwarra stated. “But the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year.”
Decades-Long Delay
The announcement marks 18 years since Nigeria’s last census, defying the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to hold population counts every 10 years. Previous efforts to conduct the census in 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari were postponed, with the rationale that the incoming administration should oversee the process.
Kwarra stressed that the delay has hindered critical planning and resource allocation, particularly in addressing the needs of underserved communities.
Impact on Development and Inclusivity
Speaking at the event, Kwarra highlighted the broader consequences of an outdated census on national development. “Nigeria’s inability to conduct timely censuses has impeded progress in advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, eliminating gender-based violence, and fostering inclusivity,” he noted.
He called for accurate data to better address these challenges, emphasizing that delayed population counts exacerbate inequalities and limit opportunities for the most vulnerable groups.
“This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice,” Kwarra said. “When individuals are denied the ability to make choices about their health and lives, it limits their potential, reduces opportunities, and impacts society as a whole.”
Collaborative Advocacy for Change
Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also spoke at the summit, pledging continued advocacy to support the ICPD agenda. She urged private sector stakeholders and philanthropic organizations to collaborate in accelerating progress toward achieving key developmental goals.
“This shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and empowerment will ensure that no one is left behind, particularly women, girls, and young people,” Saraki said.
The planned 2025 census is seen as a crucial step in addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges and aligning the nation’s developmental goals with global standards. As the largest economy in Africa, an accurate population count will provide essential data for policy formulation, resource allocation, and long-term planning.