Senate Demands Urgent Census in 2025: ‘Nigeria Must Not Be a Laughing Stock Any Longer’

In a fiery session on Tuesday, the Senate expressed its outrage over Nigeria’s failure to conduct a population census for the past 19 years, branding the country a “laughing stock” among nations that prioritize credible data and effective planning.

In a bold move, the Red Chamber directed the National Population Commission (NPC) to ensure a nationwide census is conducted this year, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra indicated that preparations for a biometric headcount are already underway.

The Senate’s frustration was palpable during the 2025 budget defense session, where Kwarra faced the Senate Committee on National Identity and Population, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP Bauchi Central). Senator Diket Plang (APC Plateau Central) was among the first to voice his dismay, lamenting the reliance on estimated population figures and foreign data. “I feel very bad that we are still living on estimated population figures. Nigeria should be counted this year!” he declared.

Echoing Plang’s sentiments, Deputy Minority Leader Senator Olalere Oyewumi (PDP Osun West) urged the NPC to expedite preparations for the headcount, stressing the need to avoid the delays experienced under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. “It would be too risky to allow the exercise to spill into 2026, which is too close to the 2027 general election,” he warned.

Ningi announced that the committee would formally communicate with President Bola Tinubu, advocating for the census to be held this year. Kwarra clarified that the President supports the headcount but insists it be conducted using biometric methods to ensure accuracy and accountability.

In his budget presentation, Kwarra revealed that the NPC proposed N18.2 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, with only N1.17 billion allocated for overhead costs and N17.7 billion designated for capital expenditures. The Senate’s call for action reflects a growing consensus that Nigeria’s demographic data must be updated to support effective governance and development.