Kehinde Fajobi
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that Nigeria’s long-overdue population census will take place in 2025.
Kwarra made this disclosure on Thursday during the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Abuja.
Despite the United Nations recommending a population census every ten years, Nigeria last conducted one in 2006. This leaves the country without accurate population data for 18 years.
A planned census for 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was postponed twice. The government deferred the exercise to allow the incoming administration to take ownership after the 2023 elections.
Kwarra highlighted the adverse effects of the delay, describing it as a major setback for decision-making and resource allocation.
He said, “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.”
He emphasised the importance of addressing population data challenges.
“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people,” he added.
“Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation.”
“We must continue our march to address these challenges head-on.
“For many in our communities—particularly women, girls, and young people—sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) remain out of reach.
“This is not just a health issue; it is also an issue of social and economic justice.
“When individuals are denied the ability to make choices about their health and lives, it limits their potential, reduces opportunities, and impacts society as a whole.”
Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, reiterated her commitment to advocacy and policy reforms to fast-track the ICPD agenda.
She pledged to mobilise private, philanthropic, and multi-sectoral stakeholders to achieve the set goals.