The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, has announced that Nigeria’s long-awaited Population and Housing Census will be conducted in 2025, marking the first census since 2006.

Speaking during the 2024 anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development in Abuja, Kwarra emphasized the importance of accurate population data for informed decision-making and resource allocation.

“A reliable and accurate census is fundamental for good decision-making. The government, at the highest level, is committed to conducting a census, and we believe it will take place next year,” he said.

The last census was conducted 18 years ago, despite the United Nations’ recommendation for a population count every 10 years. Previous efforts to hold the census in 2023 were postponed to allow the incoming administration to take ownership of the process.

Kwarra noted that the delay had hindered progress in addressing key issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, and inclusivity, particularly in underserved communities.

Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also spoke at the event, pledging continued advocacy and calling for private-sector collaboration to advance the ICPD agenda.