By Our Reporter
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, says the commission will conduct the maiden digital population census in May 2022.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El Rufai, on Monday, he said the commission is ready to conduct the digital population census in the country.
According to him, “We are ready to give the country a first-ever digital census by May 2022.
“We have the map data in our system, androids which unlike the analogue era will make it very easy for a reliable and credible census.”
He also stressed the commission’s capacity to tackle insecurity in all the states of the federation during the census.
He observed that the aim of his visit was to create awareness of the forthcoming census and solicit the support of the government and the people of Kaduna State for the success of its activities.
“The commission has intensified efforts towards the forthcoming Population and Housing Census as we have already conducted Enumeration Area Demarcation exercise in 772 Local Government Area’s (LGA’s) across the 36 States and the FCT.
“The demarcation of the last two LGA’s will be completed in the next one month.
“In Kaduna state, only Birin Gwari LGA is remaining because of insecurity,” the NPC chairman said.
Responding, Governor Nasir El -Rufai said Kaduna needed an update of the census in the state to ensure that plans are done in line with the number of citizens.
“As the third most populated state in the country, Kaduna will work with the commission to ensure a successful census.
“Let me use this opportunity to express our condolence on behalf of the people of Kaduna state over the death of one of your staff who was killed by bandits.
“I want to assure you of the support and cooperation of the government and the citizens of the state to help ensure a smooth conduct of the next census exercise as our doors are open to any support required,” the governor said.