Nigeria Seeks Global Support to Power National Census
The Federal Government has begun exploring partnerships with international development organisations and donor agencies as it moves to secure funding for Nigeria’s long-anticipated national population and housing census.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, revealed that the government is considering collaboration with development partners to help finance the large-scale exercise, which is expected to be technology-driven and more advanced than previous census operations.
Bagudu made the disclosure during a meeting with the leadership of the National Population Commission, headed by its Chairman, Aminu Yusuf, in Abuja. According to the minister, conducting a modern national census requires substantial financial resources, prompting the government to explore innovative funding approaches that will guarantee a credible and successful enumeration.
He stressed that accurate population data remains the backbone of national development planning. Reliable demographic figures, he noted, are essential for fair allocation of resources and for designing policies that address the real needs of citizens.
Bagudu explained that without up-to-date population statistics, governments often struggle to effectively plan for critical sectors such as education, healthcare, housing, employment, and infrastructure. A comprehensive census, he said, would provide policymakers with the data needed to craft targeted development programmes across the country.
The minister further highlighted that understanding Nigeria’s population distribution and demographic structure is vital to tackling development challenges and unlocking economic opportunities in different regions. With accurate data and strategic planning, he added, Nigeria’s large and youthful population could become a powerful engine for growth—similar to the development trajectories witnessed in countries like China and India.
He also emphasised that credible demographic and spatial data would help authorities identify the economic strengths of various regions and promote balanced, decentralised development nationwide.
Nigeria last conducted a national census in 2006, making the upcoming exercise one of the most anticipated statistical undertakings in the country. The National Population Commission has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transparent, technology-driven census capable of strengthening Nigeria’s demographic database and supporting evidence-based policymaking.
Officials say engaging global development partners could ease the financial burden on government while ensuring the exercise meets international standards of accuracy, transparency, and efficiency
