Nigeria To Hold Long-Awaited Census After 18-Year Delay

The Nigerian government has confirmed that the long-awaited national census will take place in 2025.

Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), made this announcement during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja on Thursday.

Kwarra noted that the census, which was originally scheduled for 2023, had to be postponed after two previous deadlines were missed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The decision to delay the census was made so that the new administration, which emerged after the 2023 elections, could manage the process.

Kwarra also highlighted the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces due to the lack of up-to-date population data, explaining that the last census was conducted in 2006. This means there has been an 18-year gap without accurate demographic information. The United Nations recommends conducting population censuses every decade, making this gap particularly significant.

The NPC Chairman further emphasized that the delay in conducting the census has complicated efforts to address key issues such as health care and resource allocation. Without accurate data, it is difficult to effectively tailor services to the population’s needs, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Kwarra pointed out that this lack of data also hinders the ability to improve reproductive health services and reduce maternal mortality rates. He stressed that addressing these challenges is not just a health matter, but a matter of social and economic justice.

“We must continue to tackle these issues, especially for women, girls, and young people, for whom sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) are often out of reach,” Kwarra said. “When people are denied the right to make choices about their health, it limits their opportunities and has wider social impacts.” He urged a collective commitment to empowering individuals and addressing gender-based violence and inequality across the country.

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