The Nigerian government has announced plans to conduct a nationwide population census in 2025.
This marks the first such exercise since 2006.
The announcement was made by Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), during an event in Abuja commemorating the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on Population and Development.
Initially scheduled for 2023, the census was postponed twice under the previous Buhari-administration.
The delay was attributed to the need for the incoming government to oversee the process.
The gap in conducting a census has left Nigeria without updated demographic data for 18 years, complicating efforts to address critical needs such as resource distribution and access to essential services.
Kwarra noted that the lack of accurate population figures has hindered progress in areas like maternal health, family planning, and gender equality.
He stressed the importance of tackling challenges affecting women, girls, and young people, as these issues are intertwined with broader societal and economic development.
The 2025 census will bridge this data gap and improve planning for national development while addressing longstanding challenges in neglected regions.
