The Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr Isa Kwarra, Tuesday, 30 July 2024 said the Census will generate inclusive and up-to-date data for evidence-based planning and policymaking.
Kwarra said this explained why the commission is working tirelessly to conduct the forthcoming National Population and Housing census.
The population and housing census, initially scheduled for 2022, was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as it coincided with electioneering campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
The exercise was eventually suspended indefinitely by Buhari, a few days before leaving office, stating that he would allow Tinubu to announce new dates for the headcount.
Kwarra disclosed this in a statement, “As the leading data-generating agency in Nigeria, the commission is committed to its mandate of generating reliable and acceptable demographic data for national planning and sustainable development.”
He also appealed to Nigerians to trust President Bola Tinubu to put Nigerian on the right path of economic growth and shun the planned nationwide protest.
“The NPC understands the economic hardships and hunger faced by Nigerians, but urges citizens to give the government time to address these challenges.
“The commission calls on Nigerians to have trust in President Bola Tinubu and give the administration time to deliver on its promises of a better Nigeria.
“The President is not unaware of the various challenges in the country.
“Hence, he is working round the clock to put in place policies and programmes that will deliver to Nigerians the full dividends of democracy within the shortest possible time.”
He highlighted some of the programmes the government had initiated to alleviate the living standards of Nigerians.
They include: Social Investment Programmes (SIPs): Initiatives like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), and Homegrown School Feeding Programme aim to reduce poverty and unemployment.
“Agriculture and Food Security Initiatives to boost food production, reduce import dependence, and enhance food security.
“Infrastructure development focusing on investments in roads, bridges, airports, and seaports to enhance connectivity and facilitate economic growth.
“The government has also started the Student Loan Scheme for the youths in Nigeria,” Kwarra said.
He, however, urged all Nigerians to remain calm, focused, and avoid actions that might compromise national peace and stability.
Some organisers are gearing up for a nationwide peaceful protest slated for August 1 to 10.
About N200bn was expended by the Kwara-led NPC, in preparations for the aborted 2023 population and housing census.
The Nigerian Population Commission disclosed on Saturday that it can do little until Tinubu consents to the commencement of the general census.
