By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi
Abuja
The Nigerian Senate has expressed its disappointment and frustration over the lack of a national population census in the country for the past 19 years. This, according to the Senate, has made Nigeria a laughing stock among nations, as it relies on trial and error projections rather than credible data for planning purposes.
The Senate’s grievances were made during a budget defence session with the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra. The lawmakers emphasized that a national census must be conducted this year, citing the need for accurate and reliable data to inform policy decisions and development planning.
In response to the Senate’s demands, the NPC Chairman revealed that the commission is working on a biometric model for the census, which will provide more accurate and reliable data. This move is seen as a step in the right direction, as it will help to address concerns around data accuracy and manipulation.
The lack of a recent census has significant implications for Nigeria’s development, as it hinders the government’s ability to plan effectively and allocate resources efficiently. As noted by the National Population Policy, Nigeria’s population is projected to continue growing at a rate of 3.2% per annum, which will require significant investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other sectors.
The Senate’s call for a census is not just about numbers; it’s about ensuring that Nigeria has a reliable framework for planning and development. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of population growth, it’s imperative that policymakers have access to accurate and up-to-date data to inform their decisions.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Senate’s demand for a national census is a timely reminder of the importance of data-driven decision-making in development planning. With the NPC working on a biometric model for the census, there’s hope that Nigeria will soon have the reliable data it needs to drive growth and development.
