Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the 19-year delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in establishing the country’s numerical strength.
He expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s order for a biometric census, noting that a national headcount is long overdue. Abbas also announced his readiness to meet with President Tinubu, after consulting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to discuss the matter.
The Speaker stressed that a census exercise would dispel doubts about Nigeria’s population, which some critics believe is exaggerated. He believes that the biometric system is the most accurate way to determine the population, requiring fewer resources.
To ensure the success of the census, Abbas suggested that the Federal Government consider alternative funding sources, such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), as the National Population Commission’s (NPC) budget is inadequate.
NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, briefed the Speaker on the census plans, including technology acquisition, recruitment, and training of officials. Kwarra sought the support of the House and National Assembly, particularly regarding funding and enabling laws.
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