From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The imperatives of conducting a fresh Population and Housing Census in Nigeria has once again been overstressed,even as tbe National Population Commission(NPC),the agency en1rusted with the responsibiliy is waiting on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to give a nod for the conduct of the rxercise this year,2023.
uThe importance of a new national census in Nigetia was empbasised by stakeholders wbo participated at a one day Public Symposium by the Institute of Development Studies(IDS), University of Nigeria(UNN) in collaboration with the National Population Commission(NPC),Enugu held at Enugu campus of the university yesterday.6
The Honourable Federal Commissioner,National Population Commission(NPC),Enugu,Hon Ejike Eze,said the continous usage of the 2006 census figure has created a data gap in global population which does not give credit to the natoon’s reputation globally.
He said Nigeria is the 7th most population globally and will be the third after China and India in 2p50.
He therefore called for adequate census in Nigeria,stating the process will help the present administration in planning and bufgeting.
He stated,”There is need to ensure that the implementation of the poverty alleviation programmes are dtiven by current data from the 2023 population census. This will ensure implementation of these progrsmmes that targets vulnerable populstion and ensure “WE LIVE NO ONE BEHIND”.
Hon EJIKE Eze narrated that preparations for the 2023 census started as far back as 2013 and assured the commission will meet expectstions of most Nigerians in the conduct of the 2023 census.
The Director,Institue of Development Studies,University of Nigeria,Prof Chike Nwude,narrated the history of conduct of previous censuses in Nigeria,lamenting none had really offered a reliable figure due to vatying pecunksry and tribal interests.
Many stakeholders cautioned National Population Commission to guide against towing the selfish interest of politicians, so as to achieve an accurate and reliable census.
