By Ola Kay
The Chairman of National Population Commission, NPC, Honourable Nasir Isa Kwarra, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s determination to ensure that Nigeria records its first biometric Population and Housing Census.
Kwarra informed that the President had long advocated a biometric census before the United Nation’s recommendation for the need to incorporate biometric features in the 2030 national censuses, which began in 2025.
The NPC chairman stated this when he received in audience a delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) led by its National President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, at the NPC’s Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the biometric census is intended to ensure the accuracy and reliability of population figures, necessary for national planning and development.
He said: “The inclusion of biometric features such as fingerprint, facial, and voice recognition will ensure the census is both accurate and verifiable.”
Kwarra also emphasized that the biometric method will help eliminate past controversies bothering on allegations of inflated population figures in various regions, while assuring of the NPC’s readiness to promote an environmentally friendly census process.
The NPC boss explained that by leveraging digital technologies, the Commission plans to implement a largely paperless operation, significantly reducing paper waste and minimizing carbon emissions associated with traditional census methods.
He pointed out that the NPC had already generated geospatial data through Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) across all 774 local government areas using Geographic Information System (GIS) methodology. He revealed that this approach was improved by the launch of the National Geospatial Repository Database by President Tinubu in November 2023. He said that the Commission has procured 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for the upcoming census.
Hon. Kwarra stated that in preparation for the upcoming census, the NPC succeeded in building two digital data centers and developing homegrown software applications for EAD and Census operations, apart from digitizing the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system in collaboration with Barnksforte Technologies Limited in creating a digital application called VITALREG.
Kwarra expressed confidence in building a synergy with the NCS and other organizations to facilitate a smooth census implementation.
“Your Society is one of the organizations we want to work with. We will engage NCS members and IT professionals in the upcoming census, starting with the training of trainers stage,” he stated.
In his address, the NCS National President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, harped on the need for collaboration, stating that, “With over 20,000 members nationwide, we are positioned to support the NPC in delivering its mandate, particularly for the Population and Housing Census.”
He commended the NPC’s digitalization efforts, underscoring their potential to eliminate data duplication and enhance overall efficiency.
He seized the occasion to state that the NCS serves as the umbrella body for all IT professionals, interest groups and stakeholders, and has championed the creation, usage and deployment of IT-based system in Nigeria for over four decades.
Dr. Aliyu discussed collaborative programmes the NCS could support the NPC with, adding that the Society has provided similar initiatives for a number of MDAs. He further advocated for greater public awareness to foster support and cooperation for NPC activities.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NPC, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, reiterated the importance of a biometric census in creating a comprehensive and verifiable database of Nigeria’s population.
The occasion paraded key NPC officials, including Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, directors and management staff.
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