Nasir Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s long-awaited population and housing census in 2025, almost 20 years after the last one in 2006.
Kwarra made the revelation at the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Abuja on Thursday.
He acknowledged that the delay in conducting the census has been a major challenge, noting that a reliable population count is crucial for informed decision-making. “The government is fully committed to carrying out this census, and we are optimistic it will happen next year,” Kwarra stated.
This announcement comes 18 years after the previous census, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for nations to hold population counts every decade.
Earlier attempts to conduct the census in 2023 were postponed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, partly to allow the incoming government to take ownership of the process.
Kwarra emphasized the significant consequences of the delay, particularly in limiting data availability for sound decision-making and efficient resource distribution. He also stressed the urgent need for accurate data to address critical issues in rural and underserved regions.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s failure to conduct timely censuses has hindered progress in key areas like sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention, and fostering inclusivity.
“We gather today to reaffirm our shared commitment to progress and empowerment, especially for women and youth,” Kwarra remarked. “Our focus remains on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.”
He added, “For many in our communities, particularly women, girls, and young people, sexual and reproductive health rights are still beyond reach. This is not merely a health issue, but a matter of social and economic justice. Denying people the right to make choices about their health and lives restricts their potential and limits broader societal progress.”
Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also spoke at the event, offering continued support for advocacy and policy changes to advance the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) agenda. She urged collaboration among private, philanthropic, and multi-sector stakeholders to accelerate progress toward achieving the initiative’s goals.
