The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced that the postponement of the 2023 gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections will affect the conduct of the 2023 Housing and Population Census. The census, which was scheduled to take place from March 29 to April 2, will now be held from May 3 to 7, according to a staff member of the commission who requested anonymity.
The recommendation for the shift in date has been submitted to the President, who is expected to approve it. However, the decision has not been finalized yet.
Speaking while receiving digital items from the United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) in Abuja, the Chairman of the commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, explained that President Muhammadu Buhari will decide on the next line of action. He thanked the UNFPA for its support and partnership.
Kwarra also highlighted the importance of the partnership between the NPC and UNFPA in achieving demographic excellence and conducting a successful and fully digital 2023 PHC, which will in turn pave the way for the 2023 PES.
The UNFPA Country Representative, Ms. Elizabeth Mueller, commended the commission for its efforts and reiterated the UN agency's commitment to supporting the commission in delivering on its mandate.
The postponement of the census is due to the rescheduling of the 2023 gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections, which were originally slated to hold on February 18, 2023, but have been postponed to April 25, 2023, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The census, which will be the first since 2006, is expected to provide critical data on Nigeria's population and demographic characteristics. This information will be crucial for policy formulation, planning, and decision-making in various sectors of the economy.
The NPC had earlier revealed that the census will be conducted digitally, using tablets and other electronic devices. The commission had also announced plans to deploy over 200,000 field staff to gather data across the country.
The postponement of the census is likely to have financial implications for the government, as resources have already been allocated for the exercise. The NPC had earlier requested N10 billion from the federal government to conduct the census, and had also sought the support of international organizations and development partners.
The delay in conducting the census may also impact the accuracy of the data collected, as population dynamics are constantly changing. The NPC will need to develop strategies to ensure that the census data is still relevant and useful, despite the postponement.
The NPC has assured Nigerians that it is committed to conducting a successful census, and has urged all stakeholders to support the commission in this endeavor. The NPC has also reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in the conduct of the census.
The postponement of the census underscores the need for improved planning and coordination in the conduct of elections and other major national events. The government and relevant stakeholders must work together to ensure that such events do not adversely affect other critical national activities, such as the census.