In a bid to ensure the timely and successful conduct of Nigeria's next Population and Housing Census, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged the National Assembly's full support.
This commitment came during a courtesy visit from the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, and his delegation comprising Federal Commissioners, Director-General, Census Manager, and other officials at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
During the visit, Senator Akpabio expressed concern over the postponement of the census exercise which he said is causing significant losses to the country, emphasizing the need for accurate data to guide national planning and combat pressing issues like unemployment and security challenges.
He praised the NPC for their efforts and assured the delegation of the National Assembly's commitment to advocate for the conduct of the next census, promising to engage with President Tinubu regarding fixing the date for the upcoming census.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, Senator Abdul Ningi, confirmed the NPC's readiness for the census, revealing that his committee has inspected the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and other census sensitive materials stored in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offices.
He further stated that the NPC is over 75% ready for the next census, pending political will from the presidency.
On his part, the NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra provided a detailed update on census preparations, which include the successful completion of Enumeration Area Demarcation, developing a national Enumeration Area Frame, conducting Census Pretests and a Trial Census to test tools and methodologies among others.
The NPC boss also discussed ongoing advocacy efforts, including engagements with former heads of state, traditional rulers, and critical stakeholders to promote the importance of the census.
He noted that the NPC, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, has inaugurated the security and logistics committee for the census, while plans are underway with the Minister of Information to inaugurate the National Census Publicity Committee.
Kwarra further explained that NPC has built a robust Digital Data Centre in its Headquarters in Abuja and Disaster Recovery Centre in Kaduna State, emphasizing that the Commission has commenced charging and testing all the procured PDAs to ascertain their functionalities after being in storage for so long.