For nearly two decades, Nigeria has struggled to conduct a national census, a critical tool for effective governance and development planning. However, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the country is now taking decisive steps to break the cycle of delays and deliver a long-overdue population count.
On 25 February 2025, President Tinubu announced plans to establish a committee tasked with aligning the census budget with Nigeria’s financial realities. This move aims to ensure efficiency and feasibility, addressing the persistent challenges that have stalled the process since 2006.
The Challenges: Funding, Security, and Logistics
The announcement followed a meeting with officials from the National Population Commission (NPC), who highlighted the hurdles that have plagued previous attempts. Funding gaps, security concerns, and logistical setbacks have repeatedly derailed efforts to conduct a new census. Despite significant investments in digital mapping and biometric technology, the 2023 census was postponed due to budget constraints and the transition to a new government.
President Tinubu’s administration is determined to overcome these obstacles. Emphasizing the need for financial prudence, the President has called for a clear strategy before seeking external support. He also stressed the importance of integrating the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance data accuracy—a critical factor for planning in areas like employment, agriculture, and social security.
A Renewed Commitment to Progress
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the census but acknowledged that funding remains a significant hurdle. Efforts are underway to streamline identity agencies and optimize existing data for national planning, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that Nigeria’s reliance on 19-year-old population figures has hindered effective policymaking. He assured that 760,000 digital tablets are ready for deployment, safely stored at the Central Bank, and poised to facilitate a smooth and tech-driven census process.
A Turning Point for Nigeria
With President Tinubu’s leadership and a renewed focus on financial accountability, Nigeria may finally be on track to conduct its first national census in nearly two decades. This long-awaited exercise could be a game-changer, providing accurate data to drive economic planning, resource allocation, and social development.
As the 2025 census plans take shape, the world will be watching to see if Nigeria can turn this ambitious vision into reality. Will this be the breakthrough the nation needs? Only time will tell, but the signs are promising.