The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday, November 28, announced that the next national census will be conducted in 2025.

The chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, at the 2024 Anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development, ICPD in Abuja said the long-overdue census will be conducted next year.

According to Kwarra, the delay in conducting the national census has deprived Nigeria of access to assess its population need and in turn allocate resources appropriately across the country.

Despite the recommendation by the United Nations that every country should conduct a census every 10 years, Nigeria conducted her last census in 2006 – 18 years ago.

The census had earlier been scheduled to take place in 2023 but was postponed twice under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration despite disbursement of funds for the exercise.

Kwarra stated that Nigeria’s population, especially those in the rural and undeserved areas are most hit by the delay in the census.

“This gap in accurate population data poses challenges in tailoring reproductive health services and interventions to specific demographic groups, ultimately undermining progress toward reducing maternal mortality and improving access to family planning,” Kwarra said.

He also noted that lack of accurate and up-to-date data has affected the nation’s social progress and inclusivity.

“We are gathered in the spirit of a shared commitment to progress, inclusivity, and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and young people.

“Our focus is on advancing sexual and reproductive health, eliminating gender-based violence (GBV), and promoting equal opportunities for everyone in our nation,” Kwarra added.