The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has clarified that the presidential committee on population and housing census is a temporary technical team formed to identify funding strategies for the upcoming national census.
According to *Naija News*, the committee, led by Bagudu, includes key figures such as National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman Nasir Kwarra (who also serves as secretary), Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Olawale Edun, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Other members include Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman Zach Adedeji, NIMC Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote, President’s Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration, Temilola Adekunle-Johnson.
During the committee’s first meeting on Tuesday, Bagudu explained that the group operates separately from the NPC, which holds the legal mandate to organize and execute censuses in Nigeria. He emphasized that the committee’s role is strictly advisory, based on a five-point mandate.
This includes a thorough review of the current census budget to ensure it aligns with national priorities and economic realities, identifying potential funding sources—both domestic and international—and crafting a resource mobilization strategy that involves development partners, global agencies, and the private sector.
The committee will also assess the NPC’s logistical and technical readiness and suggest areas for urgent improvement. Additionally, it will recommend a realistic and optimal timeline for conducting the census, based on funding availability and other national factors.
Bagudu stressed that a population census is more than a routine administrative task—it is a vital national investment that supports data-driven governance. He highlighted its importance in addressing key challenges such as urban development, food security, healthcare, and social welfare.
He also underscored the urgency of the committee’s assignment, noting President Bola Tinubu’s directive to complete their work within three weeks.
“This tight deadline reflects the significance of our task and the trust placed in us to deliver actionable and realistic recommendations,” Bagudu stated. He urged the committee to embody a spirit of institutional collaboration in service to the nation.