The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, announced on Thursday that the country’s long-overdue population and housing census will finally take place in 2025. The announcement was made during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja.
Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, leaving an 18-year gap without accurate population data, far exceeding the UN’s recommended 10-year interval. Efforts to hold a census in 2023 were postponed twice under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, with the decision made to allow the incoming administration to oversee the process.
Kwarra emphasised the significant challenges caused by the delay, citing the absence of reliable data as a barrier to informed decision-making, effective resource allocation, and tailored interventions, particularly in underserved areas.
“This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning,” Kwarra stated.
He also called for a renewed commitment to addressing gender-based violence and advancing sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) as part of broader socio-economic justice goals.
Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, highlighted the importance of advocacy and collaboration in accelerating progress towards ICPD objectives, pledging to mobilise multi-sectoral support to achieve these goals.
