The Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Ejike Ezeh, has emphasized the crucial role of an accurate census in Nigeria for national planning.
He highlighted the importance of having reliable census data as a guide for the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, particularly in the current search for palliatives to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
Hon. Ezeh expressed optimism that President Tinubu would announce a new date for the 2023 National Population and Housing Census, which was postponed due to the 2023 general elections.
The NPC Federal Commissioner stated this in Enugu state at a recent breakfast meeting with Media Executives
Hon. Ezeh said, “Census information is very useful in tracking progress towards national and internationally agreed development goals. Planners need population information for all kinds of development to work, including assessing demographic trends, analysing socio economic trends, analysing socio-economic conditions, designing evidence based poverty reduction strategies and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of policies”.
He further explained that accurate census data would greatly assist President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in addressing the socio-economic challenges arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
“By providing reliable population information, the federal government could plan and implement effective palliative measures for the people,” he canvassed.
Hon. Ezeh who commended the decision of the previous administration to postpone the census, noted that it provided an opportunity for the NPC to enhance its processes and systems for conducting the first-ever digital National Population and Housing Census in Nigeria.
He mentioned various preparatory activities undertaken by the Commission, including Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD), pretests and trial census, recruitment and training of field staff, procurement and configuration of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), establishment of ICT infrastructure, logistics support, and advocacy and publicity activities.
