Lagos and the 2023 census

• Published date: 08 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

IF everything works out according to plan, the 2023 National Population and Housing Census is scheduled to be held in April after the general election, slated for February and March 2023.

The last time the country had such an exercise was in 2006 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Globally, the significance of a credible National Census cannot be overemphasized. It provides comprehensive and detailed data on the whole population in addition to demographic, social and economic characteristics by the lowest administrative or geographical level and related rates and indicators.

It also offers necessary data enabling the assessment of the population status during the inter-census period as well as monitoring demographic, social and economic changes taking place during the same period.

Similarly, it provides basic data for all sectors in the country (education, health, population, etc.) with a view to contributing to the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of plans related to the provision of services needed.

In addition it gives data on housing units as well as their facilities and features related to living conditions, basic data needed to work out a clearly-defined housing policy aimed at ensuring prosperity for citizens, as well as indicators on houses conditions and extent of their relationship with public services.

A credible Census also offers a comprehensive and modern framework for buildings, houses and households by various administrative divisions. Such a framework is necessary to design and use samples for conducting various household surveys.

This will be positively reflected on the accurate measurement of the various phenomena to be investigated such as fertility, mortality and migration, which are used as the basis for calculating population growth rates and estimates of the post-census population.

Additionally, Census gives an accurate picture of the status and features of houses for the purpose of assisting in drawing up housing and construction plans for the future.

In a federal system like ours, Census provides the framework for revenue allocation, creation of Local Governments and Political representations among others.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has passionately appealed to all Lagos residents to participate fully in the Census by cooperating with the NPC officials and Committees set up by the state government in the series of activities lined up towards the...