After nearly two decades without an accurate population count, Nigeria is set to conduct a national census in 2025, according to National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra. Speaking at the 2024 Nairobi Summit Anniversary on Population and Development in Abuja, Kwarra emphasized that the lack of updated census data hampers informed decision-making and resource allocation, particularly in underserved areas.
The exercise, originally planned for 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed to allow the new administration to oversee it.
Kwarra highlighted the broader implications of outdated population data, including challenges in addressing maternal mortality and reproductive health. He called for collective efforts to promote sexual and reproductive health rights and eliminate gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to advocacy and policy reforms to advance these goals at national and global levels.
