The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the necessity of conducting a fresh Census to guide Nigeria’s national planning processes
He said the need for a new Census has become urgent, as the last one was carried out in 2006.
In a statement signed in Abuja by the Public Affairs Department of the National Population Commission (NPC), Akpabio made this mark during a meeting with members and management of the NPC, who visited him to provide updates on preparations for the upcoming census.
According to Akpabio, “I would hesitate to call it a national disgrace, but I can say it is a national embarrassment that even Nigerians representing us abroad often don’t know the exact population figures., we hear claims of 250 million, while other sources estimate over 270. Some African nations sometimes even believe we have surpassed 300 million million.”
He continued, “At retreats, the numbers fluctuate, with estimates dropping from 250 million to 220 million. It is high time we put an end to this confusion.”
Akpabio stressed that a country unable to accurately assess its population is already failing in its planning efforts. “Proper planning is impossible without knowing the number of people you need to provide for. How can we plan the number of schools, classrooms, or healthcare facilities without a clear understanding of our population? Planning is essential.
“A nation that neglects to plan is accepting failure, and if we do not begin planning for the future, we are failing generations of Nigerians. This Census is crucial as it will give us the data we need to plan for our future.”
The Senate President reassured the NPC that the National Assembly would offer full support to the Commission in its efforts.
“Supporting you is paramount. The National Assembly will back you all the way. I have no doubt that with the caliber of professionals here today, once the Presidential proclamation is made, you will rise to the occasion. The Senate, in particular, will stand by you,” he affirmed.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who led the delegation, explained that the visit was aimed at updating the Senate President on the preparations for the Census and seeking continued support from the National Assembly.
“We cannot successfully conduct this Census without your backing. We are counting on your support to ensure that we deliver a comprehensive and accurate Census that will provide valuable data for policymaking and national development,” Kwarra said.