17 Years Without a Census – Nigerians Demand Answers and a Timeline -By Ibrahim Bukar Tijjani

Nigeria has gone seventeen years without a Population and Housing Census, yet governance continues as if we know our exact population. The National Population Commission admits that figures from the 2006 exercise are obsolete. Still, budgets, school placements, hospital staffing, and revenue allocation rely on these estimates. This creates serious gaps in planning and fairness. Governing over 220 million people without accurate data is like flying blind. Nigerians deserve to know why this basic tool for development has been ignored for so long.

The 2023 census was meant to correct this problem. It was designed as Nigeria’s first digital census, using GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and electronic data capture to improve accuracy. Preparations were advanced, with the country fully mapped into enumeration areas. The federal government budgeted ₦800 billion, and ₦224 billion was already spent before postponement. That investment showed seriousness. However, after two postponements and a change of government, there is still no new date. This silence weakens public trust.

This delay raises questions about how Nigeria plans without reliable data. Budgets assume population figures for each state and local government, but those numbers are based on estimates from 2006. How can we determine the number of schools, hospitals, and roads needed when we do not know the true population? How can revenue be shared fairly under such conditions? Private investors also face uncertainty. Without accurate data, resources are misallocated, some regions are over-served while others are neglected, and development becomes uneven and inefficient.

The financial aspect of the delay also requires accountability. ₦224 billion has been spent, and the total budget was ₦800 billion. Nigerians deserve to know how these funds were used and what assets were procured. Will the equipment and trained personnel be preserved, or will they become obsolete? Will new spending be required later? Without a clear public report, there is a risk of waste. Transparency on expenditures is not optional when public money is involved. Accountability must accompany every stage of this process.

Beyond finance, the political and social cost is significant. Census data determines representation in the House of Representatives and influences revenue sharing. When the data is outdated, some communities gain unfair advantage while others are marginalized. This fuels mistrust and weakens national unity. International partners also rely on credible demographic data to design programs. Without an updated census, Nigeria loses credibility with investors and development agencies. In a data-driven world, this absence undermines our ability to negotiate effectively for aid and investment.

To move forward, the presidency and the National Population Commission must provide clear answers. What is the new timeline for the census, and what steps remain before it can hold? What is the status of the ₦224 billion already spent, and how will assets be protected? How is government managing planning without current data? What lessons have been learned from the postponements, and how will challenges be addressed next time? Nigerians deserve specific responses, not vague assurances about future action.

In conclusion, Nigeria cannot continue governing on estimates from 2006. The cost of delay exceeds the cost of conducting the census. Accurate population data is essential for fair representation, efficient service delivery, and credible planning. I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra to provide a binding timeline, a public account of funds spent, and a clear plan to complete the census. Nigerians have waited long enough to be counted accurately.

Ibrahim Bukar Tijjani