Nigeria's President Initiates Committee for National Census After Two Decades

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a committee in April 2025 to prepare for Nigeria's long-overdue national population and housing census. The lack of accurate demographic data since the last census in 2006 has hindered the country's growth and resource allocation.

The delay in conducting a new census has left Nigeria in a precarious position, relying on estimates from international organizations rather than verifiable data. The importance of an updated census is crucial for effective policymaking and resource distribution.

The committee, chaired by Minister Atiku Bagudu, faces pressure to deliver a comprehensive report to address Nigeria's demographic challenges.