By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf, has emphasised the urgent need for credible and updated population data to enhance planning and development across Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.
Dr Yusuf, who is also the Talban Wushishi, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, at Iga Iduganran Palace, Lagos Island, in the presence of the White Cap Chiefs.
He noted that Nigeria’s last national population and housing census was conducted in 2006, stressing that Lagos has since experienced significant demographic changes, including rapid urban expansion, increasing population density, growth of informal settlements, and continuous migration inflows.
According to him, planning for critical infrastructure such as housing, road networks, public transportation, schools, healthcare facilities, water supply, waste management, and security is still largely based on outdated figures that no longer reflect current realities.
“This long interval underscores the urgency of conducting a credible, inclusive, and transparent population and housing census. The National Population Commission remains fully prepared for this national assignment and stands ready to proceed immediately once the Federal Government announces a new census date,” Dr Yusuf said.
The NPC Chairman explained that despite the postponement of the census, the Commission has completed core technical preparations, including digital mapping of communities, refined enumeration frameworks, and advanced data management systems.
He added that the preparations are particularly important for Lagos, where high population density, vertical housing structures, informal settlements, and high mobility require innovative and precise enumeration methods.
Dr Yusuf also highlighted the importance of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, which involves continuous registration of births and deaths. He said accurate birth and death registration is essential for proper documentation, access to education, healthcare, and social protection, as well as realistic population estimates for planning and service delivery.
He therefore sought the Oba’s support in mobilising residents to embrace birth and death registration as a civic responsibility, noting that traditional rulers play a vital role in promoting public trust and participation in national initiatives.
Responding, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, stressed the need for adequate funding for the National Population Commission to effectively carry out its responsibilities, particularly the proposed census.
The monarch stated that accurate data is essential for planning in critical sectors such as health, education, housing, and water supply. He noted that while the President cannot solely approve the implementation of the census, the National Assembly is expected to provide necessary legislative backing.
Oba Akiolu further emphasised that Lagos’ population continues to grow rapidly, making the provision of basic amenities increasingly important. He also urged the NPC Chairman to ensure that census officials are properly trained and maintain integrity during the exercise.
In her remarks, the Federal Commissioner of NPC in Lagos State, Mrs Saida Olayinka Oladunjoye, described Oba Akiolu as a longstanding pillar of support for the Commission. She revealed that the monarch previously facilitated a meeting between the Commission and President Bola Tinubu, which led to funding support for the newly introduced electronic birth registration initiative.
Mrs Oladunjoye added that President Tinubu had also pledged financial support for the conduct of the census, provided the Commission meets necessary requirements.
Other members of the NPC delegation included Dr Osifo Tellson Ojogun, Director-General, Dr. Fasuwa Johnson Abayomi, representing Ogun State NPC, and Adedayo Bankole, Group Managing Director of Banksforte Technology, among others.
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