Abuja, Nigeria – The National Population Commission (NPC) has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will unveil the revised dates for the 2023 National Census and Housing Enumeration exercise. NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra shared this information with reporters after briefing President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Previously, former President Muhammadu Buhari postponed the census and housing enumeration just days before its scheduled commencement to allow the current administration to provide input. Kwarra, in a meeting with President Tinubu after a nine-week delay since April’s postponement, stated that the president would soon announce the new dates for the exercise.
During the briefing, the NPC submitted its report to President Tinubu, who will carefully examine it and make an informed decision on the appropriate date for the nationwide exercise. Kwarra emphasized that the Commission would request additional financial provisions, as the longer the exercise is delayed, the more its financial requirements expand.
“We briefed him (President Tinubu) comprehensively on our preparedness level and the expected outcomes. I am pleased to announce that Mr. President has graciously agreed to support the Commission in conducting the census and our preparatory activities. Although we are not in a state of stagnation, his encouragement has given us the impetus to enhance our preparations,” Kwarra stated.
He continued, “We will continue with our preparations and await his final decision on the census date, as we have submitted our proposal for his review.”
Kwarra also expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s assurance of support, emphasizing the president’s recognition of the significance of accurate data for national planning and development.
Initially scheduled for March 27, the census was postponed to May 3-5 due to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shifting the governorship election from March 11 to March 18. However, during a forum with the diplomatic corps in Abuja on April 27, Kwarra revealed that the NPC had not yet procured all the necessary devices for the census. The Commission was still expecting donations from the private sector and other key stakeholders.
