By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Senate has provided assurance that the much-anticipated population and housing census scheduled for November this year will proceed as scheduled.

During the screening of 17 out of the 19 commissioner-nominees for the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja, Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, emphasized the importance of conducting the census on time. He noted that most of the nominees are individuals serving for the second time, indicating their experience and suitability for the role.

Notably, Nigeria has relied on estimated figures since the last census conducted in 2006, which reported a population of 140 million. Previous plans for a census in 2022 were deferred to 2023 and later suspended indefinitely by the former President Muhammadu Buhari, pending new dates to be announced by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu has expressed his administration’s support for the upcoming census, highlighting its significance for national planning purposes.

Senator Ningi stressed the importance of political will in executing the census, noting Nigeria’s failure to conduct one in the past 11 years. He emphasized that the announcement by the President is crucial to garnering international support and ensuring the success of the census. Despite logistical preparations being nearly completed, political will remains the key determinant for the census to proceed.

Furthermore, Ningi underscored the significance of the census in national development planning, urging nominees to prioritize their duties impartially and focus on generating accurate data rather than fostering inter-ethnic competition.

NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra expressed gratitude for the long-awaited screening process, highlighting the importance of the nominees’ roles in facilitating the census. Notably, two nominees were absent, with one appointed as Secretary to the State Government of Ondo.