In a significant development, the National Population Commission (NPC) has disclosed its readiness to initiate the 2023 population and housing census.
The announcement, sourced from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), includes statements from Clifford Zirra, the NPC federal commissioner in Adamawa.
Zirra confirmed that the commission’s preparations are complete, with the next steps awaiting direction from President Bola Tinubu to kickstart the census process.
This update follows the federal government’s decision, made in April, to postpone the census. At that time, Lai Mohammed, the former minister of information and culture, officially communicated the postponement.
Speaking to journalists in Yola on Wednesday, Clifford Zirra shared insights into the progress and sentiment surrounding the impending census.
Zirra highlighted that President Tinubu has expressed his satisfaction with the extent of groundwork accomplished by the commission in preparation for the census.
Stressing the gravity of the situation, Zirra emphasised that this exercise holds critical implications for Nigeria’s future.
As this significant step forward unfolds, observers and citizens alike are keenly watching for the next developments in this national endeavour.
“It provides us with accurate and up-to-date data about our population, which is indispensable for effective planning and development,” he said.
“The information collected during the census will serve as the foundation for policy formulation, resource allocation, and the implementation of various social and economic programs.
“The commission welcomes the decision of the federal government on the postponement of the conduct of the census in order to give the new administration the opportunity to have input in the census process.”
Explaining the postponement,He said it has been more of an advantage explaining that the commission has the opportunity to perfect its processes and systems for the conduct of the first-ever digital census.
He said the commission has carried out all the necessary preparations such as the enumeration area demarcation, conduct of pre-tests and trial census, training of field staff, and establishment of ICT infrastructure across the country, among other activities.
Abubakar Hamma-Adama, director of NPC in the state, encouraged the media to continue to collaborate with the commission as the census exercise draws closer.
“We are grateful and thankful, also we want to solicit your continued support during the census whenever the date is fixed.
“Really, the census will be successful only if there is good publicity and enlightenment,” he added.
