The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated an eight-member committee tasked with paving the way for the long-anticipated National Population and Housing Census, slated for 2025.
The inauguration, presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila—took place at the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja. The committee is expected to deliver an interim report within three weeks, outlining a feasible census timeline and addressing funding readiness.
According to a statement from the Director of Public Affairs at the National Population Commission (NPC), Mrs Erelu Oloruntoba, the committee’s mandate includes reviewing the census budget, identifying funding sources, and recommending a viable date for the census. It will also facilitate coordination among key government institutions to ensure the exercise is timely, credible, and in line with the nation’s economic realities.
President Tinubu, through his representative, emphasised the critical role of accurate demographic data in shaping policy across healthcare, education, security, and economic planning. He noted that a credible, technology-driven census will provide the foundation for equitable resource distribution and sound national development.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu—who chairs the committee—pledged that the team would submit its report within the stipulated timeframe. He assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to delivering a transparent and effective enumeration exercise.
The Minister of Information, Alhaji Muhammed Idris Malagi, a member of the committee, echoed the importance of accurate data in governance. “A credible census is the cornerstone of effective national planning,” he said.
NPC Chairman, Mr Nasir Isa Kwarra—who will serve as the committee’s secretary—disclosed that preparations for the census had already commenced in partnership with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and other stakeholders. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to deploying modern technology for a comprehensive and verifiable enumeration process.
Other members of the high-level committee include:
- Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun
- Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji
- Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote
- Principal Private Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri Okunola
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Administration and Operations (Office of the Chief of Staff), Mrs Nathan-Marsh
The formation of the committee follows President Tinubu’s earlier directive in February 2025 to reassess the census budget and align it with current fiscal conditions.