Latest NPC Update on 2023 Census Exercise as of today 5th November 2023.
The National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria Reveals Doubts About Conducting the 2023 Census
In a recent development, the National Population Commission (NPC) of Nigeria has expressed concerns about the feasibility of conducting the National Population and Housing Census in 2023. This announcement comes after years of population estimates, with the last official census dating back to 2006 when Nigeria’s population was reported to be 140 million.
The initial plan for the census, slated for 2022, was postponed to 2023 during the previous administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari. While the NPC was in the final stages of concluding the census process before it was suspended, they are now prepared to continue with the process. However, the timing hinges on President Bola Tinubu, to whom the commission has presented a plan.
According to an anonymous NPC Commissioner, the training process alone would require more than two months to complete, emphasizing the need for adequate budgetary provisions to successfully conclude the census. Given that it is already November, the NPC is not considering conducting the census in 2023. Instead, they await President Tinubu’s decision on when to proceed with this crucial exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on NPC’s Latest Update on the 2023 Census Exercise:
Q1: Why is the National Population and Housing Census for 2023 in Nigeria in doubt? A1: The National Population Commission (NPC) has indicated that the census for 2023 may not be possible due to various factors. The commission cites the advanced stage of the year, as it’s already November, and the need for budgetary provisions and training to complete the process.
Q2: When was the last census conducted in Nigeria before this potential delay in 2023? A2: The last official census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006, which provided a population figure of 140 million.
Q3: Who initially planned to conduct the 2022 census, and why was it postponed to 2023? A3: The previous administration, led by former President Muhammadu Buhari, had planned to conduct the 2022 census. However, it was later postponed to 2023 for reasons that are not specified in the source.
Q4: What role does President Bola Tinubu play in the decision regarding the census? A4: President Bola Tinubu is key to determining the timing of the census. The NPC has presented a plan to President Tinubu, and they are awaiting his decision on when to proceed with the census.
Q5: What has the NPC accomplished in terms of preparations for the census? A5: The NPC mentions that they were on the verge of concluding the census process when it was suspended. They have also begun the training process, which would take more than two months to complete once given the green light.
Q6: Is there a specific timeline mentioned for when the census might occur in 2023? A6: The NPC source did not provide a specific timeline for when the census might occur in 2023. It will depend on President Tinubu’s decision and the availability of budgetary provisions.
