Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has announced that the Federal Government is exploring innovative funding options, including collaboration with development partners, to deliver a credible and technology-enabled population and housing census.
Bagudu made this disclosure while receiving a delegation from the National Population Commission (NPC), led by its Chairman, Aminu Yusuf.
Bagudu explained that the President Tinubu-led administration recognises the strategic importance of credible population data in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges and shaping effective public policy.
According to him, “Dependable demographic data remains essential for national planning, fair resource distribution, and the development of policies that address citizens’ needs.”
“If we truly want to solve Nigeria’s problems, we must be deliberate about understanding and organising our resources, especially our people,” he added.
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He emphasised that meaningful development cannot occur without accurate information about the country’s population, noting that the government must understand where people live, their living conditions, and the opportunities available within their communities.
Bagudu further noted that Nigeria’s expanding population presents a substantial development opportunity if managed effectively. Drawing comparisons with countries such as China and India, he explained that large populations can become powerful drivers of economic growth when backed by effective planning and strong institutions.
The minister also highlighted the importance of demographic and spatial data in recognising economic opportunities across Nigeria’s communities. He stated that such information could support the government’s efforts to promote decentralised development by enabling each ward, local government, and state to identify and utilise its comparative advantages.
“There is no community in Nigeria without potential,” he said, adding that while some communities possess agricultural strengths, others have mineral resources or serve as important commercial hubs. He emphasised that reliable population data is also crucial for building trust and fairness within Nigeria’s federal system, as it offers a transparent foundation for planning and resource allocation.
In his remarks, Aminu Yusuf stated that the commission is currently progressing with plans to develop a modern, technology-based, and integrated population data management system for Nigeria. This includes preparations for the upcoming census, as well as the expansion and digitalisation of the country’s civil registration system to ensure continuous registration of births and deaths.
Yusuf explained that the NPC is constitutionally required to produce accurate demographic data for national planning and sustainable development. He added that the commission coordinates the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, produces population statistics for policymaking, and monitors the implementation of the National Population Policy for Sustainable Development.
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Speaking further, Yusuf commended Bagudu for leading the presidential committee that reviewed the financial and operational framework for the exercise. He stated that the committee’s work demonstrates the federal government’s dedication to carrying out the census within a transparent and fiscally sustainable framework.