Accurate census figures crucial for country's progress, says Bagudu

Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the crucial role of reliable population data in driving Nigeria's national development, underscoring the need for credible demographic information to inform effective planning and policy decisions.

n

The minister's remarks came during a visit by Dr Aminu Yusuf, Chairman of the National Population Commission, who was accompanied by federal commissioners and senior officials to the ministry's headquarters in Abuja on Sunday.

n

According to Bagudu, the administration of President Bola Tinubu acknowledges the importance of accurate population data in addressing Nigeria's development challenges and shaping sound public policy, recognizing its strategic value in this regard.

n

The minister highlighted the necessity of reliable demographic statistics for national planning, equitable resource distribution, and policies that cater to citizens' needs, stressing that understanding and organizing the country's resources is essential for solving Nigeria's problems.

n

Bagudu noted that development planning must be guided by accurate knowledge of citizens' living conditions, locations, and available opportunities within their communities, emphasizing that every community in Nigeria has potential.

n

He added that reliable population data will facilitate fairness and transparency in Nigeria's federal system by providing a credible basis for planning and allocating public resources, ultimately strengthening the system.

n

NPC Chairman Dr Aminu Yusuf stated that the purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration between the commission and the ministry in support of national planning, highlighting the commission's constitutional mandate to generate accurate demographic data.

n

The commission's responsibilities include conducting population and housing censuses, coordinating the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, and producing population statistics to inform policy formulation, according to Yusuf.

n

The NPC Chairman disclosed that the commission is developing a modern, technology-based, integrated population data management system, which includes preparations for a credible population and housing census and the expansion and digitalisation of the civil registration system.