The National Population Commission (NPC) has issued a formal statement refuting claims circulating online that its chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, announced 2025 as the date for Nigeria’s upcoming population and housing census.
In a statement signed by Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, the acting director of public affairs for the commission, the NPC clarified that no official date has been set for the long-awaited census. The commission attributed the confusion to a misinterpretation of remarks made by the chairman during his speech at the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Abuja. According to the NPC, some individuals deliberately misrepresented Hon. Kwarra’s words in an attempt to mislead the public by suggesting that a specific date had been set for the census in 2025.
The statement went on to explain that while Hon. Kwarra did express optimism about the likelihood of President Bola Tinubu issuing a formal proclamation on the census in the coming year, he did not specify any particular date for the event. The NPC made it clear that the authority to announce the date for the census rests solely with the president, and that the commission cannot unilaterally set the date.
The NPC also emphasized its unwavering commitment to transparency, stressing that discussions with the presidency regarding a new timeline for the census are ongoing. This follows the postponement of the exercise under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The commission underscored that, despite the significant delays, it is actively working toward ensuring the successful and timely completion of the census once a new date is officially confirmed.
It is important to note that, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for countries to conduct population censuses every 10 years, Nigeria has not conducted a national census since 2006, leaving a gap of 18 years without up-to-date demographic data. The census was initially scheduled to take place in 2023, but it was postponed twice during the previous administration, reportedly to allow the incoming administration, elected in the 2023 general elections, to oversee the process.
The NPC’s statement sought to reassure the public that, while the commission remains hopeful that the census will be conducted soon, the exact timeline will only be determined once the president has made an official proclamation. Until then, the NPC called for understanding, and reiterated that it will continue to prioritize transparency and public awareness in its efforts to conduct the census.
