Speaker Abbas: Census Must Hold This Year

• Speaker Abbas Tajudeen stresses the need for Nigeria’s Population and Housing Census this year to prevent clashes with 2027 election preparations
• Tajudeen commends President Tinubu’s biometric census initiative, highlighting its importance for accurate population data and effective national planning

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has stressed the urgency of conducting Nigeria’s Population and Housing Census this year.

During a meeting with National Population Commission (NPC) officials, he warned that delaying the exercise until 2026 would clash with preparations for the 2027 elections.

Abbas commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to a biometric-based census, emphasizing that it would provide accurate population data and end reliance on outdated estimates.

“We must ensure the census happens this year because, by 2026, election campaigns will distract us. Many believe Nigeria’s population is overestimated, as low voter turnout and school enrollment figures suggest otherwise,” he said.

He expressed concerns over delays, noting that they created data gaps hindering national planning. Abbas pledged to engage with President Tinubu, whom he believes respects the National Assembly’s role and would prioritize the census.

He also emphasized the need for adequate funding for the NPC, acknowledging that its 2025 budget may not cover the costs. However, he remained optimistic that alternative funding sources could be secured with political will.

NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, appealed to the National Assembly for financial support to conduct the census and other commission activities.

He reaffirmed that the upcoming census would be biometric-based, aligning with global recommendations and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Kwarra outlined the NPC’s progress, including the completion of Enumeration Area Demarcation in 774 LGAs, the development of a National EA Frame, and the launch of a digital recruitment platform for ad-hoc staff.

Other achievements include successful pretests, trial censuses, procurement of 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for field operations, and establishment of a Census Situation Room for real-time monitoring.