The Federal Government has launched an 18-month initiative to modernise Nigeria's population data systems and strengthen national geospatial and population data infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming Population and Housing Census.
Enhancing Census Readiness and Decision-Making
The initiative aims to advance census readiness and improve public decision-making by boosting Nigeria's national geospatial database. This will support evidence-based planning and broader development goals.
Dr Aminu Yusuf, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), disclosed this at a high-level meeting on strengthening Nigeria's national geospatial database. The event was organised by the commission in collaboration with the United Nations and the University of Southampton's WorldPop programme in Abuja.
Yusuf emphasised the need for a current, spatially precise, integrated, and operationally useful data system as Nigeria prepares for the next census. He noted that a modern geospatial database is a core part of national planning architecture, supporting not only census operations but also health planning, education delivery, infrastructure targeting, disaster preparedness, agricultural strategy, local governance, and other public priorities.
UNFPA Highlights Importance of Census Data
Muriel Mafico, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria Resident Representative, stated that Population and Housing Census (PHC) data are fundamental for effective governance, economic planning, national development, and informed decision-making. She stressed that updated census data are critical for informing national planning and the government's Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as assessing progress towards goals like the Sustainable Development Goals and the Africa Agenda 2063.
