Stakeholders Harp On Role Of Data In Development Planning

Stakeholders have stressed the importance of population and housing census, saying data aids development planning in the country.

They also expressed disappointment over the non-conduct of population and housing census in Nigeria since 2006.

Just recently, at the 11th annual population lecture series 2023, organised by National Population Commission with the theme: “A decade of dialogue on population and development in Nigeria” in Abuja, the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population Commission, Senator Abdul Ningi, described as disappointing that Nigeria has not conducted another population and housing census since 2006.

He said, “Data is so important to the life of every nation, especially demographic data which is very vital and it is almost impossible to run your life activities without this data. So that informs us that at every given time, at every given opportunity, you as a person need to reflect on your own how many people are in your house and how to feed, cloth, educate and healthcare amenities.

“These are all in line with what we are trying to do in making sure that we do not just estimate but we have at least accurate data. And it gives a better understanding of how we prepare for tomorrow and what you do for the teeming population that we have in Nigeria that have to go to school and what you do to the teeming population that needs healthcare especially women and children.

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“All these information are important and having been the committee chairman in the last two months or so I have no doubt in mind that National Population Commission have prepared so well to the extent that they are almost at the advance stage of holding this national census and what they lack this year is the political will to conduct this national census.”

According to the chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra, there is the need for formulated programs and actions for Nigeria’s growing population to effectively harness the nations human capital for national development.

He noted the cross-cutting systems challenges associated with family planning, adding that there is the need for timely and sector disaggregated demographic data.

The paramount ruler , Garki Chiefdom, Abuja, His Royal highness Alhaji Dr. Usman Nga-Kupi, said most challenges facing the nation can be associated to the lack of accurate population data that should enable the government plan and have policies.