National Population Commission (NPC) said it would mark Trial Census Night on Tuesday night, 19th July, 2022, to signify the commencement of persons’ enumeration in selected Enumeration Areas (EAs) and Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The commission explained that the Census Night is the night immediately before the first day of enumeration of homeless persons.
In a statement, the director of public affairs of NPC, Isiaka Yahaya, said enumerators are expected to enumerate all homeless persons seen within the selected EAs and LGAs during the Census Night.
Yahaya explained that the decision to enumerate homeless persons at night is based on the fact that homeless persons are usually found in designated places, such as markets, bridges and motor parks where they pass the night, rather than day time when they are likely to be on the move.
He added that the observance of the Census Night is in accordance with international best practice and to ensure complete enumeration of the population.
The statement said the census reference period for the Trial Census would take place from the zero hour (00:00) of the first enumeration day, 20th July to midnight (24:00hrs) of the last day, 24th July, 2022.
The commission therefore called on residents of those selected areas to support and cooperate with enumerators as they carry out their assignments professionally.