The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced plans to conduct Nigeria’s population and housing census in 2025, nearly two decades after the last census in 2006. Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Kwarra, made this announcement during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development held in Abuja on Thursday .
Kwarra emphasized the significant impact of the delay in conducting the census, particularly in hampering informed decision-making and effective resource allocation. He highlighted the need for accurate data to address pressing issues in rural and underserved areas, including advancing sexual and reproductive health rights, eliminating gender-based violence, and promoting inclusivity.
The NPC chairman noted that Nigeria’s inability to conduct timely censuses has hindered progress in these areas. “We must continue our march to address these challenges head-on. For many in our communities—particularly women, girls, and young people—sexual and reproductive health rights remain out of reach,” Kwarra said .
The announcement comes 18 years after Nigeria’s last census, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to conduct population counts every 10 years. Previous attempts to hold the census in 2023 were postponed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari .
The NPC has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the census in 2025, with Kwarra assuring that the government is committed to conducting the exercise next year .
