National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, has inaugurated a 25-member National Census Security and Logistics Committee to oversee the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
The committee comprises representatives from the military, paramilitary, police force, various ministries, unions, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
At the ceremony yesterday in Abuja, Ribadu stressed the need for accurate demographic data to support policy formulation and sustainable development planning.
He highlighted the administration‘s commitment to achieving evidence-based planning through a well-conducted census.
Ribadu said, “The establishment and inauguration of this committee are essential first steps towards ensuring the peaceful and smooth conduct of the census.”
He acknowledged the extensive scope of the census, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personnel and materials and ensuring their efficient distribution.
Ribadu outlined several potential risks to the census, including physical attacks on National Population Commission (NPC) staff and facilities, threats to security personnel, kidnapping, communal violence, attacks on NPC databases, and intimidation of the public.
He said the primary challenge would be dealing with insecurity from banditry, kidnapping, armed conflicts, terrorism, insurgency, and other violent crimes.
Despite these challenges, Ribadu expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to ensure the safe movement of personnel and materials, given the members’ expertise.
He also revealed that similar committees would be established across all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and the 774 Local Government Areas.
The NPC chairman and head of the committee, Mr. Isa Kwarra affirmed the commission‘s dedication to producing credible and reliable census data for national planning.
He said workshops would be organised to keep committee members updated on census processes and methodologies.
Kwarra cited significant milestones in preparation for the census, including the enumeration area boundary of the 774 LGAs, the first and second pretests of census instruments, and the procurement and distribution of 760,000 tablets and accessories nationwide.
He expressed confidence in the committee‘s capacity to address security and logistical challenges, emphasising the commission‘s commitment to conducting a transformational census that meets international standards.
Kwarra reassured the committee of the commission‘s steadfast support, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure the success of the census.
