Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has recommended that the 2023 Census hitherto scheduled to hold in March to be shifted to May, just as the Minister of Budget and National Planning Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, said that with the support of all stakeholders, Nigeria is going to conduct a free, credible and acceptable census.
Prince Agba and Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed made the remarks on Monday in Abuja at the high-level partners engagement to seek support for the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, saying FG envisages a credible census exercise with the use of digital technology, and added that the 2023 Census will be involving the use of digital maps.
Dr Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, through a virtual conference from Doha, said almost two decades on, it has become imperative and urgent for Nigeria to conduct another Census as clearly spelt out in the National Development Plan 2021 – 2025.
“As prioritised by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Population Commission in close collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have set-up the machinery for a National Census that will reflect our population dynamics. We therefore envisage a Census that employs extensive use of digital technology for credible, reliable, and acceptable outcomes; and
provides accurate and well-disaggregated data for strategic planning and policy making,” she said and added that, “there is the need to address the inconsistency in our National Census and statistical system which limits the efficacy of development initiatives premised on obsolete data cannot be over – emphasized.
“Our major challenge over the years had been the lack and/or inadequate funds to readily carry out such huge project in the face of pressing needs for social welfare and human capital development. It is worthy to note that 60 per cent of the funding and other requirements for the 2006 Census could not have been achieved without the invaluable support of the Development Partners, Corporate Bodies and other key Stakeholders.
“Indeed, the partnership and collaboration in carrying out the 2006 National Census took a lot of burden off the Government of Nigeria and enabled us to conduct a credible exercise whose outcome, served through the years. The data from the exercise has been useful in preparing our National Development Plans, implementation of Sectoral Plans and Initiatives, tracking follow-up actions for Global Conventions and Agreements, including the unfinished Agenda of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), the Nairobi Commitments, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development among others.
“I am pleased to intimate you that the 2023 Population and Housing Census will be Green Census involving the use of digital maps, digital questionnaire and cloud computing to ensure compliance with the global climate change campaign for reduction of emission by 30% unconditionally and an additional 15% conditionally by the year 2030,” the Finance Minister said, as she thank the European Union (EU), the United Nations Population Fund among other Development Partners and key Stakeholders whose invaluable and generous support gave a huge credibility to the 2006 Census.
“We sincerely cherish and acknowledge the impact of the support in entrenching systems and tenets of good governance in our economy. As we work towards actualising the conduct of the 2023 National Census which is transformational for Nigeria, we are equally confident of a more robust network of partners that share in our aspiration for making available credible and acceptable population and housing data that will meet the needs of various stakeholders.”
Chairman, National Population Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra in his closing remarks, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed for their unflinching support and resources towards a credible census.
