In a significant political development, the leadership of the National Assembly is set to engage President Bola Tinubu on the urgent need for a national population census in 2025. This was announced via Nigerian Stories’ official X handle, sparking renewed debates on Nigeria’s long-overdue headcount.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has been operating on outdated population figures for nearly two decades. The last official census was conducted in 2006, with the country’s estimated population now exceeding 200 million based on projections. Without accurate data, policy planning, resource allocation, and economic development remain hindered, creating a governance blind spot.
A properly conducted 2025 census would provide crucial insights into:
Demographic shifts and migration patterns
Accurate resource allocation for education, healthcare, and infrastructure
Electoral constituency adjustments based on population density
Economic planning and poverty alleviation strategies
Past Attempts and Political Roadblocks
Efforts to conduct a census in 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari were stalled due to funding constraints, political concerns, and security challenges. Now, with 2025 on the horizon, the National Assembly is seeking Tinubu’s approval and financial commitment to make the census a reality.
Challenges Ahead: Will the 2025 Census Happen?
While the proposal for a new census is widely supported, concerns linger over:
Funding: Will the government allocate the necessary resources?
Security: Can a nationwide census be safely conducted amid insecurity?
Political Manipulation: Will regional interests attempt to skew population figures for electoral and economic advantages?
The coming weeks will determine whether President Tinubu gives the green light for a long-overdue headcount or if Nigeria will continue to operate in the dark regarding its true population.
One thing is clear—without accurate data, national planning remains a shot in the dark.
PIONEER NEWS 