Population Commission clarifies census date

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, denied reports that the next population and housing census in Nigeria will take place in 2025.

According to a statement by Erelu Oloruntoba, NPC acting director of public affairs, the commission has not made any official announcement on the issue.

The clarification comes after reports emerged that Nasir Kwarra, NPC chairman, had announced 2025 as the next date for the upcoming census. Kwarra was quoted as saying that the government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and that it will take place next year.

However, Oloruntoba explained that only the president has the power to make such proclamation, as NPC is only constitutionally mandated to conduct census. He added that Kwarra’s remarks were “taken out of context by individuals seeking to mislead the public and drive traffic to their sites.”

The NPC chairman had spoken at the 2024 anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development held in Abuja, where he highlighted the importance of a reliable and accurate census for good decision-making. “A major setback that we face is the delay in conducting a population and housing census. A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making,” Kwarra said.

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The commission has urged the public to seek verified information from official NPC channels rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims. Oloruntoba also noted that preparations are underway regarding the timeline of the next census, and that the commission is in talks with the presidency to determine a new date.

“The attention of National Population Commission (NPC) has been drawn to misleading reports circulating online, which falsely suggest that the Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has announced that the next Population and Housing Census in Nigeria will take place in 2025,” the statement reads.

“We wish to clarify that no official announcement regarding the date of the upcoming census has been made. The Chairman’s remarks have been taken out of context by individuals seeking to mislead the public and drive traffic to their sites rather than provide accurate information.

“To put the record straight, during a media interaction at the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Abuja, the NPC Chairman addressed the pressing issue of significant data gaps in Nigeria that impede the tailoring of reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups.

“We urge the public to seek verified information from official NPC channels rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims.”

The NPC’s clarification has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some expressing skepticism about the commission’s ability to conduct a credible census. Others have welcomed the clarification, saying it is necessary to avoid misinformation.

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