By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in establishing the country’s actual population.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct a biometric-based census, the Speaker described the exercise as long overdue.
He affirmed his commitment to engaging with the President, following consultations with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the matter.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the NPC board and management, led by Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and Director-General Dr. Ojogun Tellson Osifo, the Speaker criticized the 19-year gap since the last census, calling it unacceptable for a nation of Nigeria’s size and significance.
Rep. Abbas noted that a fresh population census would help dispel doubts and counter claims of population overestimation by critics. The NPC chairman confirmed that the President had approved the biometric census to take place in 2025.
He said: “Statistics don’t lie,” expressing his belief that the biometric system is the only way to determine the actual population with less deployment of resources.
“I will be part of those who will engage Mr. President on the issue of conducting census this year”.
Speaket Abbas who noted that the budget of NPC was inadequate to conduct a successful census, said the Federal Government may consider other sources of funds, including the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).
“I will see my counterpart in the Senate on how to see Mr President. It will be a historic thing in Nigeria while it would also be something that will immortalise his (President Tinubu’s) name”, he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of NPC briefed the Speaker on the plans for the census and the preparations made so far. He solicited the support of the House, and National Assembly by extension, with regards to funding and enabling laws.
According to Hon. Kwarra, part of the plans for the census included acquisition of technology, recruitment and training of officials, establishment of a situation room as well as advocacy/stakeholders engagements, including visits to former Presidents and ex-Heads of State.