During a recent event marking the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development held in Abuja, Nasir Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria, announced plans to conduct a much-anticipated population and housing census in 2025. This announcement comes nearly two decades after Nigeria’s last census in 2006, which underscores the significant gap between census intervals in a country where the United Nations recommends such counts every ten years. Kwarra expressed the critical need for an accurate and reliable census, emphasizing that timely population data is essential for informed decision-making and effective resource allocation, particularly in addressing the needs of underserved communities across Nigeria.
The delay in conducting the census has been a significant setback for the Nigerian government, which has experienced several postponements. Previous attempts to hold the census in 2023 were shelved under the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, primarily to allow the new government time to familiarize itself with the process. Kwarra pointed out that this delay has had detrimental consequences, particularly in the fields of sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence eradication, and overall inclusivity within society. He reiterated the importance of conducting the census efficiently and accurately, as this would not only benefit policy decisions but also assist in addressing pressing social issues.
During his address, Kwarra highlighted the ongoing challenges pertaining to sexual and reproductive health, particularly among women, girls, and young people. He argued that when individuals are denied the ability to make informed choices regarding their health and lives, it not only stifles their potential but also hampers the overall progress of the society. This, according to Kwarra, transcends mere health rights, intersecting with fundamental social and economic justice imperatives. He urged stakeholders to continue to champion the rights of marginalized groups and focus on improving health services and educational opportunities to promote inclusivity in Nigeria.
The call for action received support from notable figures present at the event, including Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Saraki emphasized the importance of advocacy and the need for multi-sector collaboration in advancing the goals outlined by the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). She expressed her commitment to pushing for policy changes that would facilitate progress in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of health and gender equity. Her remarks reinforced the need for a concerted effort among governmental, private, and philanthropic entities to work toward better health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Kwarra’s emphasis on the shared commitment to social empowerment and progress highlights the urgency of addressing issues like gender-based violence, which remains rampant in Nigeria. The NPC Chairman underscored that society’s advancement hinges on the dismantling of barriers that restrict women’s and youth’s access to essential health services and opportunities. He called on all stakeholders to ensure that the forthcoming census is not merely a count of individuals but a tool for empowerment and advancement for underrepresented groups.
In summary, the announcement of a 2025 population and housing census in Nigeria, nearly two decades after the last count, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation. The NPC’s commitment to addressing demographic data’s gaps is a step toward ensuring that policies are shaped by accurate information. The convergence of health, social justice, and economic opportunity is pivotal for Nigeria’s growth, and collective efforts from government and civil society will be essential in addressing the pressing needs identified during this significant moment in Abuja.
