The 2023 National Population Census, slated to begin from the 3rd to the 7th of May, has been postponed. The next administration will determine when the enumeration process will continue.
This came after the president met with some members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Population Commission (NPC) at the Presidential Villa on Friday.
However, this meeting pointed out how important it will be to conduct the population census, 17 years after the previous one.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, confirmed the approval of the postponement by the President.
The statement reads:
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the 2023 Population and Housing Census postponement, scheduled for 3-7 May 2023. The incoming Administration will determine the date.
In arriving at the decision to postpone the Census, the meeting reiterated the critical need for the conduct of a Population and Housing Census 17 years after the last Census to collect up-to-date data that will drive the country’s developmental goals and improve the living standard of the Nigerian people.
The President noted that appreciable progress has been made in implementing the 2023 Population and Housing Census:
- Completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation of the country,
- Conduct of first and second protests,
- Recruitment and training of adhoc workers,
- Procurement of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and ICT infrastructures
Also, he commended the methodology being put in place by the Commission to conduct accurate and reliable Census. This includes, especially, the massive deployment of technology capable of delivering world-class Census. And laying a sustainable basis for future censuses.
The President further directed the Commission to continue with preparations for the 2023 Census to sustain the gains already recorded. And provide the basis for the incoming administration to consolidate these achievements.
The following people were at the meeting:
- Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami;
- Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed;
- Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed;
- Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba and
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.“
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