Nigeria Prepares for Long-Awaited Census, Emphasises Public Communication

Nigeria Prepares for Long-Awaited Census, Emphasises Public Communication
Nigeria last conducted a national population census in November 2006
Idris emphasised that the administration is prioritising credibility, legality, and adherence to global best practices over speed

Effective public communication has been highlighted as a key factor for the success of Nigeria’s long-awaited national population census, even as citizens await an official proclamation of a date for the exercise.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the statement in Abuja during a courtesy visit from Dr. Aminu Yusuf, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), who led a management delegation of the Commission on Tuesday.

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The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, and internationally recognised census, noting that accurate population data is essential for national development planning.

“Credible data remains the foundation of national planning. Without accurate population figures, effective development planning becomes impossible,” Idris said.

He assured the NPC that the Ministry and its agencies including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) are fully prepared to mobilise Nigerians and drive nationwide awareness once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially announces a census date.

Idris emphasised that while Nigerians are eager for the exercise, the administration is prioritising credibility, legality, and adherence to global best practices over speed.

Nigeria Prepares for Long-Awaited Census, Emphasises Public Communication

“The presidential proclamation remains the legal basis for the conduct of the census, and Mr. President is carefully aligning all requirements to ensure the exercise meets international standards,” he added.

Speaking earlier, NPC Chairman Dr. Aminu Yusuf commended the Ministry for its leadership in public mobilisation ahead of the postponed census. He assured that the Commission is operationally ready, with systems, logistics, ICT infrastructure, and personnel continuously refined to guarantee efficiency, transparency, and credibility once a date is announced.

Dr. Yusuf also requested sustained access to government-owned media platforms to enhance public understanding of census participation, civil registration, and vital statistics, stressing that public trust is central to effective population management.

Nigeria last conducted a national population census in November 2006, nearly two decades ago. Attempts to carry out a new census have repeatedly failed due to funding gaps, insecurity, logistical challenges, and political considerations. Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a census planned for 2023 was postponed indefinitely, despite extensive preparations, citing rising insecurity, economic pressures, and the proximity of general elections.

Observers have consistently warned that the absence of up-to-date demographic data has hampered resource allocation, infrastructure development, social service delivery, and electoral planning across the country.