You may not think much about the census or how we go about counting people in our country. But every ten years, the federal government undertakes a massive effort to count every single person living here. It’s a huge undertaking that requires years of planning, tens of thousands of workers, and billions of naira. But why do we go through this every decade? What’s the point of the census and what does it tell us about the history and growth of our population?
In this article, we’ll look at the origins of the census in Nigeria, how it has changed over the decades, some of the controversies surrounding its accuracy, and what we can learn from the numbers tallied in each census year about who we are as a nation.
What is Census?
A census is the procedure of systematically gathering and recording information about a population. It’s usually conducted by a national government to provide an official count of population numbers and gain a better understanding of the demographic composition of a country.
Why Do Governments Conduct Censuses?
Governments conduct censuses primarily to obtain accurate population counts and details about the people living within a country’s borders. This information helps in planning and policymaking for education, healthcare, housing, employment, infrastructure and transportation. Censuses also determine representation in legislative bodies and the allocation of government funds to different regions.
Censuses provide essential information for governments and organizations to gain valuable insights into the composition of a population. By participating in the census, you help shape decisions that affect your community. The data you provide assists in the fair distribution of resources and ensures you are accurately represented at all levels of government.
History of Census in Nigeria
Nigeria officially started conducting population census in 1866 by the British colonial government within the Colony of Lagos. Subsequent ones were held in 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901. These counts were all confined to the Lagos Colony and its environs, and marked the sequential beginning of the British decennial census tradition in Nigeria. The first modern population census was conducted in 1921. The British colonial government conducted the first census to generate demographic data to aid in planning and administration.
The 1921 Census
The 1921 census was the first population census conducted by the British colonial government in Nigeria. It revealed that the population of Nigeria was 18.72 million. The census result showed that the Northern region had the highest population of 10.4 million, followed by the West with 4.2 million and the East with 2.6 million.
The 1951/1953 Census
The second census was conducted between 1951 and 1953. The census in Northern Nigeria was conducted between May and July, while it was conducted in the West and Mid-West in December 1952 and January 1953. In the Eastern part of the country, the census was conducted from May to August 1953.
The result showed that Nigeria’s population had increased to 45.26 million. The regional distribution remained similar to the 1921 census with the North having the highest population.
The 1962/1963 Census
The third census was conducted between November 1962 and May 1963. The result indicated that Nigeria’s population had risen to 55.7 million. However, the 1962/63 census result was rejected due to over-enumeration in some areas of the country.
The 1973 Census
The military government conducted another census in 1973 between November 25 and December 2, which put Nigeria’s population at 79.8 million. The 1973 census result was also rejected by the public due to over-enumeration.
The 1991 Census
In 1991, another census was conducted by the military government which revealed that Nigeria’s population was 88.5 million. The 1991 Census was conducted under Decree 23 of 1989, which established the National Population Commission. It was held around the country from November 27 to December 2, 1991. This was the most scientific and acceptable approach until the 2006 Population and Housing Census. Like the previous censuses, the 1991 census result was rejected due to over-enumeration and poor quality. The 1991 census was marred by allegations of cheating.
The 2006 Census
The most recent census was conducted in March 2006. The provisional result of the 2006 census put Nigeria’s population at 140 million. Although the result is still contested in some quarters, the 2006 census result remains the most widely accepted population figure in Nigeria.
In summary, Nigeria’s population has grown rapidly over the years despite the challenges in conducting an acceptable census. The population has increased from just 18.7 million in 1921 to over 200 million today based on estimates. More efforts are still needed to conduct a credible census that will be acceptable to all Nigerians.
2023 Census Postponed
The Census was originally scheduled for May 3-7, 2023, but was postponed. This has led to speculation in the public, which has received significant media attention. The government stated that contrary to such insinuations, the NPC postponed the census exercise to save Nigeria from a national crisis.
Notable Highlights From Past Censuses in Nigeria
Nigeria conducted its first census in 1866, and has had several more since then.The 1951-53 census was the first modern census, using scientific methods of enumeration.
Here are the notable highlights from past censuses in Nigeria:
Available records show that censuses were taken in Nigeria in 1866, 1868, 1871, 1891 and 1901
The earliest records of population census exercises conducted in Nigeria date back to the 19th century, during the colonial era. Available records show that censuses were carried out in 1866, 1868, 1871, 1891 and 1901. These early censuses were limited in scope, focusing mainly on the southern parts of the country and excluding much of the north.
The 1866 to 1901 Censuses
The censuses from 1866 to 1901 were carried out by the British colonial authorities, specifically the administration in Lagos. The primary aim of these early censuses was to generate demographic data to facilitate efficient taxation and resource allocation in the colony. These censuses covered the Lagos colony, the Oil Rivers Protectorate (later Niger Coast Protectorate) and the Royal Niger Company territories. Much of the north was excluded, due to lack of effective British control in those areas during the period.
Methodology and Challenges
The censuses relied on physical head counts and some crude questionnaires to collect information on population size, age, sex, occupation, etc. However, these exercises were faced with many challenges, including lack of public awareness, poor transportation infrastructure, and limited funds. The censuses were also marred by some methodological issues, with potential double counting and omissions. All of these significantly affected the quality and reliability of the census data.
Significance and Limitations
Despite their limitations, these early censuses provided some useful baseline data on the population of southern Nigeria. They gave a glimpse into the size, distribution and characteristics of the population at the time. However, their exclusion of much of northern Nigeria, methodological issues and limited scope significantly undermine their value. They failed to provide a comprehensive picture of Nigeria’s total population in the 19th century. Subsequent censuses, especially from 1921, helped to address some of these limitations.
1911 to 1931 Censuses
The first census in Nigeria was conducted in 1911, 20 years after it became a British protectorate. The census was very basic, mainly counting the population and some economic activities. The 1931 census was more detailed, recording age, sex, birthplace, tribe, occupation, and marital status. It was the second nationwide census.
The 1931 census showed Nigeria had a population of 10.4 million people. The census also revealed Nigeria was a young country, with over 43% of the population under 15 years of age.
The 1931 census faced major challenges, including lack of roads and transportation, and suspicion by local communities. Census officials had to travel long distances, sometimes by foot, to remote villages. Many communities were hesitant to provide information due to fear of higher taxation or military conscription.
The census results highlighted the diversity of over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria. The major tribes were Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, together making up about two-thirds of the population. The census captured a range of occupations like farmers, traders, craftsmen, and professionals. Over 80% of the working population were subsistence farmers.
The early censuses established a foundation for social and economic planning in Nigeria. However, their quality and accuracy were limited by lack of technology, insufficient personnel, and local community resistance. Subsequent censuses in 1952-53, 1962-63, and 1973 improved on these, using more advanced methodology to provide higher quality data on Nigeria’s growing population and economy.
Overall, the 1911 and 1931 censuses were pioneering efforts that shaped Nigeria’s journey to gaining independence. Despite their flaws, they offered valuable insights into the country’s demographics, economy, and diversity during that era.
1941 And The Second World War
The census was canceled in 1941 due to World War II. The census exercise continued with the 1951/53 census, which was conducted following WWII. The Governor-General, Sir John Macpherson, oversaw the 1951/53 census. The census was staggered.
The 1951-1953 Censuses
The Governor-General, Sir John Macpherson, oversaw the 1951/53 census. The census was staggered. Enumeration was conducted independently in four areas of the country: the Lagos colony, the Northern Region, the Western, Mid-western, and Eastern Regions, respectively. Northern Nigeria’s census was conducted between May and July 1952, while the West and Mid-West conducted it in December 1952 and January 1953 respectively. The census was performed in the country’s eastern region from May to August 1953. The absence of universality in census collection made it difficult to aggregate the data nationally. This was the last census conducted by the British colonial government and was described as the first modern, national and well-planned headcount in Nigeria.
The 1962 Census
The 1962 census was the first census conducted in Nigeria after independence in 1960. The census was taken to determine the total population of Nigeria. Prior to independence, population censuses were used primarily for taxation and forced labor by the British colonial government.
The 1962 census was an important step towards development planning in the newly independent Nigeria. The federal government needed an accurate head count to allocate resources and plan for the country’s future. Teams of enumerators went door to door throughout Nigeria to count every man, woman and child. People were asked questions about their age, sex, marital status, occupation, ethnicity and religion.
The 1962 census was very controversial. The population of the Northern and Southern regions were manipulated for political reasons. There were claims of over-counting in some areas and under-counting in others. Accusations of irregularities and manipulation flew from all sides. The controversy reflected the regional and ethnic tensions in Nigeria at the time.
According to preliminary statistics given by the Census Board in 1962, Nigeria’s population was 45.26 million, with Northern Nigeria accounting for 22.01 million and the other three areas accounting for a total of 23.25 million.
Nigeria continues to struggle with conducting transparent and accurate censuses. Politics, ethnicity and regionalism have undermined most census exercises in Nigeria. An accurate population count still eludes Nigeria today, posing problems for development planning and resource allocation. The 1962 census, though flawed, was an important first step that revealed the challenges of conducting a census in a diverse, multi-ethnic country like Nigeria.
The 1963 Census
A New census was conducted in 1963, and an additional 8.5 million people were discovered in the north, bringing the total to about 31 million for the north, more than the population of any other African country at the time and 56 million for Nigeria as a whole.
However, the results of the 1963 census were very controversial. There were allegations of over-counting and under-counting along regional and ethnic lines. The Eastern and Midwestern regions boycotted the results, disputing the population figures for their regions. The controversy stemmed from the heightened ethnic tensions in Nigeria at the time and competition for representation in Nigeria’s new democratic institutions.
The results were annulled and a recount was conducted in 1973. The controversy over the 1963 census results highlighted the challenges of conducting an accurate census in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria.
Accurate census data is important for economic and political planning. However, ethnic tensions and competition can undermine the process. The failure of the 1963 census showed that population counts in Nigeria were deeply political, and future censuses would continue to be controversial and contested by different groups.
The 1973 Census
The 1973 census was carried out from November 25 to December 2, 1973, and it was deemed technically sound. This was partly because it was the first time an enumeration area demarcation was performed prior to the actual census, as well as the first time homeless individuals were included, and the census became more detailed at last. The exercise’s results were not publicized, and the entire operation was canceled after General Yakubu Gowon, the then-Military Head of State, announced a population count of 79.76 million. The cancellation was predicated on the fact that, like the two censuses before it, there were claims of orchestrated inflation across the states in the country.
The 1973 census was plagued by controversy from the start. Ethnic tensions were still high after the war, and groups accused the government of manipulating the results to favor certain regions. The final count announced a total population of 79 million, but many argued this was an overestimate.
To address concerns, the government set up the Census Board The National Population Commission which was constituted in 1988 to oversee the next census in 1991.
The 1991 Census
The 1991 census was an important step toward restoring civilian rule and understanding Nigeria’s population growth during that time.
The census faced many challenges. There were ethnic and religious tensions, as groups worried about being undercounted. There were also logistical difficulties in conducting a census across Nigeria’s diverse landscape. However, the census commission worked hard to conduct an accurate count. Over 200,000 enumerators were recruited and trained to go door-to-door for the census.
The 1991 census found that Nigeria’s population had grown to 88.5 million, more than doubling from the 1963 census. However, the results were controversial, as many felt the population was undercounted. The census also revealed Nigeria’s diverse demographics. The three largest ethnic groups were the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo, together making up about two-thirds of the population. The majority of Nigerians lived in rural areas and worked as farmers.
The 1991 census provides an important snapshot of Nigeria’s population after years of military rule. Although controversial, it represented an important step toward restoring democracy by providing basic information about Nigeria’s demographics to help in governance and policymaking. The census results also highlighted the challenges in accurately counting Nigeria’s large, diverse population. Overall, the 1991 census gave Nigerians important insights into the state of their nation after many years in political limbo.
The 2006 Census
In November 2001, President Olusegun Obasanjo mandated the National Population Commission with the goal of conducting an accurate, trustworthy, and credible census for the country. In order to ensure a reliable and trustworthy census, the Commission developed its methodology and included new techniques and technologies. Thus, for the first time, the 2006 census used Geographical Positioning System (GPS) and Satellite Imagery to create Geo-referenced Enumeration Area maps, OMR/ICR/OCR machine-readable forms to record information, and an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to read fingerprints and detect multiple counting.
To ensure the success of the 2006 census, the Federal Government put in place measures to address the challenges faced in the past censuses. Some of these measures include:
- Conducting a trial census in 2005 to test the methodology and logistics.
- Establishing a committee to investigate the issues of the 1991 census and make recommendations for the 2006 census.
- Providing adequate funding and logistics for the census exercise.
- Putting in place legislation to penalize those who refused to be counted.
- Carrying out intensive publicity and sensitization to educate people on the importance of census.
The main aim of the 2006 census was to determine the population figure and distribution of Nigerians for planning purposes. The census took place between March 21 to March 27 2006. The results of the 2006 census is 140,003,542 million people
It was meant to be conducted every 10 years but has failed to hold at the appropriate times due to logistic and political reasons.
The 2006 census was an improvement over the previous censuses. However, it was still marred by controversies arising from undercount and manipulation of figures for political and ethnic interests. There were also issues with the transparency in the collation and release of the results. The census results have continued to generate debates as the population figures seem doubtful. There is a need to conduct another census to obtain a more reliable population figure for Nigeria.
Key Objectives and Uses of the Census
Here some of the main objectives of census:
1. To know the total population of a country
A census aims to count the total number of people in a country, state or local government area. This provides vital information to measure growth rates and plan for the future. Knowing the population size helps in planning and budgeting for public services like healthcare, education, housing, transportation, etc.
2. To understand the age and sex structure
A census collects information on the age and sex of the population. This is important for planning purposes, especially for education, health services, employment opportunities, etc. The data can show whether there are more males or females in the population and the percentage of people in different age groups.
3. To study the pattern of population distribution
Census results provide information on how the population is distributed in a country by geographical units like states, local government areas, electoral wards, etc. This helps in planning for the equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure across regions. Areas of high population density may require more resources than sparsely populated areas.
4. To obtain data on social and economic characteristics
A census aims to collect information on the social and economic characteristics of the population such as marital status, educational level, occupation, housing conditions, household amenities, means of livelihood, etc. This data is useful for development planning and policymaking.
5. To update information on electoral units
Census data is used to update information on electoral units like federal constituencies, state constituencies, and wards. The number of people in each unit determines representation in government. New electoral boundaries may need to be drawn based on changes in population distribution.
6. To estimate future population
Census results provide baseline data to estimate future population growth and plan accordingly. Population projections are made based on factors like birth rate, death rate and migration. Accurate population projections are important for long term development planning.
7. To compare social and economic developments
Census data can be compared over time to analyze social and economic changes in a population. For example, increasing literacy rates, declining poverty levels or improving living standards can be measured by comparing census results over several decades. This helps to evaluate the impact of policies and programs.
Challenges Faced During Past Censuses
Conducting an accurate population census in Nigeria has always been an uphill task, fraught with many challenges and difficulties. Some of the major obstacles faced during past censuses include:
- Inadequate funding: Census exercises are very expensive, requiring huge financial resources. However, funding has always been a challenge, with the government unable to provide sufficient funds to properly conduct the census. This has negatively impacted aspects like logistics, staff training, and post-census surveys.
- Politicization of census: There have been several cases of deliberate manipulation and falsification of census data for political gains. Some states have exaggerated their population to get more revenue and representation. This politicization has undermined the credibility and accuracy of census results.
- Insecurity: Parts of the country grappling with insecurity, violence, and unrest have been difficult to access during censuses. Enumerators have been unable to reach some communities, leading to undercounting. The safety of enumerators has also been compromised in insecure areas.
- Lack of qualified personnel: There is a shortage of skilled professionals to plan, organize, and conduct a credible census. Many enumerators lack the necessary training and expertise to do a proper headcount, especially in remote areas. This has contributed to flawed census results.
- Difficult terrain: Nigeria’s diverse landscape, including forests, mountains, and hard-to-reach rural settlements, poses a major challenge during censuses. Some communities are inaccessible by road, making it difficult to transport personnel and materials. This hinders the coverage and quality of census exercises.
- Lack of public enlightenment: Inadequate awareness and sensitization of the public about the importance of censuses have fueled suspicion, misconceptions, and a lack of cooperation. Many do not provide accurate information or allow enumerators access into their homes. Stronger public enlightenment campaigns are needed to address this.
- Post-census challenges: Even when a credible census is conducted, the collation, analysis, and publication of results are fraught with issues like a lack of technical capacity, political interference, and funding constraints. This undermines the usefulness and impacts of the census. Robust post-census activities are essential for leveraging the benefits of the exercise.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s census history has been fraught with challenges, from lack of funding to politics, insecurity, and ethnic tensions. However, the population census is an essential planning tool for national development. Recent improvements provide hope that the next census would be without any hassle.