National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra says the first-ever digital population census in the country will be realistic by May 2022.
Paying a courtesy visit to the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, on Monday, the NPC chairman assured that the commission is more than ready to conduct a first-ever digital population census in the country.
According to Kwarra, “We are ready to give the country a first-ever digital census by May 2022.”
He stated that the commission has the map data in their system, androids which, unlike the analogue era, will make it very easy for a reliable and credible census.
He expressed the determination of the commission’s capacity to tackle insecurity in all the states of the federation during the census.
Kwarra also explained that the aim of his visit was to create public awareness of the forthcoming census, as well as solicit the support of the government and the good people of the state for the success of its activities which have a direct bearing on the social-economic and political life of the people.
He told El Rufai that the commission has intensified efforts towards the forthcoming population and housing census, assuring that it has conducted Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise in 99% across the state of the federation.
He added that a total of 772 LGAs have been successfully demarcated across the 36 states, stressing that the demarcation of the last two LGAs would be completed in the next month.
He explained, “In Kaduna State, only Brinin Gwari Local Government Area is remaining because of insecurity.”
The NPC Chairman outlined the mandates of the Commission to include the conduct of specialized surveys, registration of birth and death.
He hailed the Kaduna State Governor for all the assistance and support extended to the commission while requesting for the continuous support of the state government in areas of sensitization and mobilization of the populace in the local government areas, saying that provision of adequate security for the safety of personnel and materials and; provision of accommodations and logistics for field staff for the next population and housing census.
Responding, Governor El Rufai said Kaduna State needs an update of the census in the state to ensure that plans are done in line with the numbers
According to him, as the third most populated state in the country, the state would work with the NPC to ensure a successful housing and population census.
He expressed his condolence to the commission over the death of one of its staff, who was killed by bandits.
He assured the Commission of the support and cooperation of the government and the good people of the state to help ensure smooth conduct of the next census exercise, assuring that his doors are open to any support required.
