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NPC Confirms Plans To Conduct Census In 2025

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4 hours ago

Nov 28, 2024.

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has revealed plans to conduct Nigeria’s long-awaited Population and Housing Census in 2025, marking nearly two decades since the last census was conducted in 2006.

Kwarra made the announcement during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Abuja on Thursday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that he highlighted the critical role of an accurate and reliable census in fostering effective decision-making and resource allocation.

“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. But the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year,” Kwarra stated.

This declaration follows the postponement of a proposed 2023 census during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the aim of allowing the incoming administration to oversee the process. Despite a United Nations recommendation for population counts every 10 years, Nigeria has not conducted a census since 2006, a delay that Kwarra noted has significantly impeded informed decision-making, particularly in addressing issues in underserved rural areas.

Speaking further, the NPC Chairman underscored the broader implications of the delay, including its impact on advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, combating gender-based violence, and promoting inclusivity. He emphasized that these issues are not only matters of health but also of social and economic justice.

“For many in our communities—particularly women, girls, and young people—sexual and reproductive health rights remain out of reach. This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice.

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,” Kwarra said.

Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also spoke at the event, pledging continued advocacy and policy support for advancing the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda.

NPC Census 2025

She called for greater collaboration among private, philanthropic, and multi-sector stakeholders to accelerate progress toward achieving the initiative’s goals.

Saraki reaffirmed her commitment to addressing critical health and social challenges, urging collective action to ensure equitable opportunities and well-being for all, especially vulnerable groups.