Nigeria’s Census Rescheduled for 2025: What to Expect

A Nigerian census worker interacting with a resident, symbolizing the importance of accurate population data.

The National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s long-awaited national census in 2025, following its suspension in 2023 due to logistical challenges and political transitions. This all-important exercise aims to provide accurate demographic data essential for planning and development. However, concerns about NPC’s preparedness and the challenges it must overcome remain central to the conversation. NPC now own it as a duty to Nigerians to intensify its preparations to ensure a credible, comprehensive, and globally acceptable census.

Current Preparations and Stakeholder Engagements

The NPC has taken several steps to inspire confidence in its readiness for the 2025 census. Chairman Isa Kwarra emphasized that the commission is poised to execute a robust and data-driven exercise once President Bola Tinubu officially approves the new date. The NPC has been collaborating with key stakeholders, including state governments and international organizations, to ensure a seamless process. Training programmes for enumerators and support teams are ongoing, with advanced technology, such as digital data collection tools, set to play a critical role in improving accuracy and reducing errors.

NPC Preparedness

Digital Innovations: The NPC has highlighted plans to use digital tools for data collection, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), to ensure accuracy and reduce manipulation.
Capacity Building: Training programs have been conducted for enumerators and supervisors, focusing on modern census methodologies. More training sessions are planned to bridge any gaps caused by the postponement.
Pilot Census: The NPC has completed a trial census in selected areas to test its processes and logistics.
Stakeholder Engagement: The NPC is engaging with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, civil society, and international organizations, to promote inclusivity and transparency.
Funding and Logistics: Adequate funding and timely procurement of materials remain concerns. The government and international partners must ensure the NPC receives resources promptly.

NPC officials have also reiterated their dedication to transparency. By leveraging technology for real-time data collection and processing, they aim to mitigate errors and prevent manipulation. Partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are expected to provide technical and financial support to enhance the credibility of the exercise

UNFPA Support:

The UNFPA has expressed its continued support for Nigeria’s census efforts, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making for sustainable development. They have pledged technical expertise and resources to assist the NPC

State Governments:

Several state governments have shown a willingness to collaborate with the NPC to ensure the success of the census. This includes providing logistical support and encouraging residents to participate fully.

Benefits of the 2025 Census

A well-conducted census offers immense benefits to various sectors in Nigeria and beyond:

For Nigerians

Resource Allocation: It will provide accurate data for equitable resource distribution, effective representation in governance, and targeted development projects tailored to local needs. Accurate and reliable census data also lead to improved service delivery in a country as data on population distribution informs investments in education, healthcare, transportation, and other critical infrastructure and sectors.
Representation: It ensures proper representation in legislative and political decision-making.

For the Government

Policy Formulation: Reliable demographic data helps the government in budgeting, planning, and designing effective policies addressing population growth, urbanization, and social services.
International Funding: Census data aids in securing international grants and development funds tied to population metrics.

For Businesses

Market Research: Companies can leverage population data for market research, expansion strategies, and resource allocation, enhancing productivity.
Market Insights: Businesses can use demographic data to identify market opportunities, target consumers, and expand their reach.
Investment Decisions: Data on population density and urbanization trends can influence decisions on location and scale of operations.

For the Economy

Economic Planning: Population data supports GDP calculation, labour force analysis, and poverty alleviation strategies.
Job Creation: The census process itself provides temporary jobs, boosting the economy.
Drive Investment: By identifying demographic trends, the census can drive investments in priority sectors and optimize economic policies.

For the International Community:

International Aid: Development partners and global organizations rely on accurate census data to evaluate and implement international aid programmes effectively
Development Goals: Reliable data helps international organizations measure Nigeria's progress toward global targets like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Investment Confidence: Accurate demographic data reassures foreign investors of Nigeria's growth potential and stability.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

The NPC has expressed confidence in its ability to deliver a successful census. However, funding and logistical challenges remain critical issues. Stakeholders, including the government and international partners, must collaborate to ensure adequate support for the exercise. Additionally, public awareness campaigns will be crucial to encourage participation and dispel fears about the process. To maintain momentum and avoid further postponements, the NPC must also address;

Funding Shortages: Addressing delays in resource allocation for logistical needs by securing adequate funding from both domestic and international sources.
Public Skepticism: Overcoming doubts about the accuracy and neutrality of census figures by Intensify public enlightenment campaigns to address skepticism and misinformation
Political Interference: Managing disputes over population numbers between regions.
Insecurity: Ensuring safe data collection in conflict-prone and remote areas.
Adequate Training of Officials: Expand training programs to equip enumerators with the skills required for efficient data collection. Conduct more pilot exercises in diverse regions to refine methodologies.

Conclusion

The 2025 census represents a transformative opportunity towards addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges as it presents an opportunity to reshape Nigeria’s governance, economic planning, and global standing. Accurate population data will empower the government and other stakeholders to make informed decisions, enable businesses to plan effectively and attract global partnerships. This digital census promises to usher in more inclusive and sustainable development. However, for the NPC to inspire confidence, it must address logistical and funding challenges, enhance transparency, and foster public trust. The world will be watching as Nigeria prepares to deliver one of its most important demographic exercises. A credible, successful census will not only benefit Nigerians but also strengthen the nation’s position in the global community. Stay engaged and informed as the NPC continues its preparations, and ensure you are counted. YOU COUNT! BE COUNTED!!! In the 2025 National Population and Housing Census!

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