Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has hailed the reappointment of Dr. Collins Opiyo as the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for Nigeria’s upcoming population and housing census.
Hon Kwarra in a statement issued by the public affairs department, expressed optimism that Dr. Opiyo’s return would significantly enhance the commission’s preparations for the country’s first-ever biometric census, a pivotal project for Nigeria’s demographic mapping.
The statement said Hon. Kwarra received the officials from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), led by Deputy Country Representative, Koessan Kuawu. The main agenda of the gathering was to formally introduce Dr. Opiyo in his new role and discuss the upcoming census.
In his address, Hon. Kwarra stressed the importance of Dr. Opiyo’s reappointment, saying that it would offer an opportunity to complete the crucial initiatives that he had begun in December 2021 during his initial tenure as chief technical adviser.
“Dr. Opiyo played a key role in developing and implementing the census strategy document, which provided a solid foundation for what was supposed to be a transformative census.
Unfortunately, the census was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2023. However, with Dr. Opiyo’s reappointment, we are confident that we will now complete the work that was started,” Hon. Kwarra stated.
Hon. Kwarra further noted the significant backing from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is deeply committed to seeing the census through. The chairman revealed that President Tinubu has instructed the establishment of a committee to realign the census budget with the government’s current financial realities, thus ensuring its timely execution.
“We want the census to be conducted this year,” Hon. Kwarra said, adding that he was optimistic the president would soon issue a proclamation to officially kick-start the census process.
Also in attendance was Koessan Kuawu, the UNFPA Nigeria Deputy Representative, who took the opportunity to commend Hon. Kwarra for his tireless advocacy efforts in prioritising the census, which he said, had led to President Tinubu’s renewed commitment. He assured the NPC of UNFPA’s continuous support in ensuring the census’ success.
“We at the UNFPA are fully committed to supporting Nigeria’s census and will work closely with the NPC to guarantee its successful execution,” Koessan Kuawu said.
Dr. Opiyo, upon being reappointed, expressed his excitement about returning to complete the work he had started, adding that his reappointment was a continuation of his earlier mission.
“I am back home. I never left. I was brought back to finish the assignment I was earlier sent to do,” Opiyo stated.
He also acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting the census and noted the waiting stance of the UNFPA in anticipation of a clear declaration from the government regarding its intentions for the census.
