Ene Oshaba
Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra, has stressed the importance of the 2023 population and housing census, assuring that data from the exercise will aid development planning in the country.
He said there is the need for formulated programs and actions for Nigeria’s growing population to effectively harness the nations human capital for national development.
Kwarra stated this in Abuja at the annual population lecture series with theme: “The family planning 2023 agenda in Nigeria and the imperative of a successful 2023 population and housing census” organized by Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the UN system and other development partners led by the Nigerian population council, Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) and the breakthrough Action Nigeria.
Represented by NPC Hon. Federal Commissioner FCT Joseph Shazin, he noted the cross-cutting systems challenges associated with family planning, adding that there is the need for timely and sector disaggregated demographic data.
While highlighting the opportunities provided by the proposed 2023 population and housing census, he drew attention of critical stakeholders in the population management ecosystem in Nigeria to preparations for the 2023 population housing census.
“The proposed 2023 population and housing census which is a digital one, is a source of robust demographic data for population management ecosystem towards actualizing the family planning 2023 agenda in Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Director Planed parenthood federation of Nigeria (PPFN) Dr. Okai Haruna, noted the difficulties associated with planning as a nation when it’s population is unknown, adding that Nigeria is on the right path towards getting the population of the country come 2023.
He further reiterating that Nigeria only had 5 census since it’s independence.
“If you don’t know your population, definitely it will be very difficult for you to plan, for the past, since the independence of this country, we have only had population census five times”
Earlier, the paramount ruler , Garki Chiefdom, Abuja, His Royal highness Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga-Kupi, said most challenges facing the nation can be associated to the lack of accurate population data that should enable the government plan and have policies.
The Monarch assured that himself and colleagues will mobilize thier natives to collaborate and ensure a peaceful and successful census come 2023.