The National Population Commission (NPC) has emphasized that Nigeria must conduct a reliable, technology-led census to enable effective resource management and national planning. NPC Chairman Dr. Aminu Yusuf highlighted this necessity during a media event in Abuja preceding the 2026 World Population Day.
Dr. Yusuf argued that because Nigeria holds an estimated 238 million people and possesses one of the world’s youngest demographics, the government requires precise data to manage its population. With nearly 30 percent of citizens aged between 15 and 29, evidence-based planning is essential for sectors like housing, education, and healthcare. He noted that such data is vital to measure the success of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda initiatives.
To close data gaps, the commission is upgrading the National Geospatial Data Repository and the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system. These improvements aim to better document demographics across all 774 local government areas. Dr. Yusuf stressed that while Nigeria’s youth represent a potential economic asset, the country must invest in human capital, skills, and infrastructure to prevent economic instability and insecurity from hindering future growth.
