Joel Ajayi
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, clarified on Monday in Abuja that the newly formed Presidential Committee on Population and Housing Census is an ad hoc technical body tasked with identifying funding sources and ensuring proper planning for Nigeria’s upcoming census.
Speaking at the committee’s inaugural meeting—following its inauguration by President Bola Tinubu last week—Bagudu explained that the committee was established to provide expert guidance on financing strategies, institutional coordination, and setting realistic timelines for the census exercise.
Bagudu, who chairs the committee, noted that it is distinct from the National Population Commission (NPC), the statutory body responsible for conducting population and housing censuses. He emphasized that this advisory committee was formed to support the NPC with technical and financial planning based on its members’ strategic positions in government.
Members of the committee include NPC Chairman Mr. Nasir Kwarra (Secretary), Minister of Finance Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Information Mr. Mohammed Idris, FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji, NIMC DG Ms. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, Presidential aide Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and SSA to the President on Administration Mr. Temilola Adekunle-Johnson.
Bagudu outlined the committee’s five-point terms of reference, including:
Reviewing the current census budget in line with fiscal realities and national priorities,
Proposing viable funding sources—both domestic and international,
Developing a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy,
Evaluating the NPC’s logistical and technical readiness,
Recommending a practical and realistic date for the census, based on funding and national conditions.
He stressed the significance of the committee’s role, saying, “A national census is not a routine administrative exercise; it is a sovereign investment in evidence-based governance.”
Bagudu also noted that President Tinubu expects the committee to submit preliminary recommendations within three weeks, underscoring the urgency and importance of the assignment.
The committee’s formation followed a February 24, 2025 briefing from the NPC to the President, in which it proposed a digital and biometric-based census with a projected budget of N949 billion. The NPC showcased its readiness to adopt advanced technologies like fingerprint, facial recognition, and voice capture to ensure credibility and inclusiveness.
While reaffirming his support for a credible and modern census, President Tinubu emphasized the need to align such a major initiative with Nigeria’s current fiscal conditions—prompting the establishment of the Bagudu-led committee.
The inaugural meeting was attended by senior representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Information, and Budget Planning; the NPC; NIMC; FIRS; and the National Bureau of Statistics, among other key government agencies.
