Population Census To Hold 2025 – NPC

By Ayodele Oni

With no fixed date yet, the federal government has announced plans to conduct a nationwide population census in 2025. This marks the first such exercise since 2006.

Arrangements had earlier been concluded by the immediate past government of Mohammadu Buhari to hold the exercise last year but was put off.

The change in government led to the postponement of the exercise twice and later indefinitely.

The announcement was made by Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), during an event in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on Population and Development.

The delay was attributed to the need for the incoming government to oversee the process.

The gap in conducting a census has left Nigeria without updated demographic data for 18 years, complicating efforts to address critical needs such as resource distribution and access to essential services.

Kwarra noted that the lack of accurate population figures has hindered progress in areas like maternal health, family planning, and gender equality.

He stressed the importance of tackling challenges affecting women, girls, and young people, as these issues are intertwined with broader societal and economic development.

The 2025 census will bridge this data gap and improve planning for national development while addressing longstanding challenges in neglected regions.