Usage of 2006 Census figure has created a Data Gap,says Enugu NPC Fed.Commissioner.
From Maurice Okafor,Enugu.
The imperatives of conducting a fresh Population and Housing Census in Nigeria has once again been overstressed,even as the National Population Commission (NPC) the agency entrusted with the responsibility is waiting on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to give a nod for the conduct of the exercise this year, 2023.
The importance of a new national census in Nigeria was empbasised by stakeholders who 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.
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 driven by current data from the 2023 population census. This will ensure implementation of these programmes that targets vulnerable population 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 rxpectstions of most Nigerians in the conduct of the 2023 census.
The Director, Institute 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 varying pecuniary and tribal interests.
Many stakehllders csutooned Natiioial Population Commission to guide agsinst towing the srlfish interest of politivians,so as tov svjieve an acvurate andg reliable census
