World Population Day: Conduct Credible Census, Stop Relying on Outdated Data, Kwankwaso Tells FG

World Population Day: Conduct Credible Census, Stop Relying on Outdated Data, Kwankwaso Tells FG

The Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has urged the Federal Government to conduct a credible, transparent, and technology-driven national Population and Housing Census, in order to stop relying on outdated data for national planning.

In his message to mark the 2026 World Population Day, Kwankwaso expressed concern that Nigeria has failed to conduct a population census for two decades.

He said the last exercise, held in 2006, has left Nigeria relying on outdated population figures for critical national decisions on education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment, and resource allocation.

“This data vacuum undermines effective planning and equitable development. Accurate, up-to-date population statistics are the bedrock of good governance, national security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.

“We cannot continue to shape the future of estimated over 200 million Nigerians using statistics frozen in time,” the opposition figure said.

“On this World Population Day, I strongly urge the Federal Government to prioritise and conduct a credible, transparent, and technology-driven national Population and Housing Census without further delay. The time for excuses is over. The time to act is now.”