The National Population Commission (NPC) said it has successfully demarcated 772 Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 774 LGAs in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in preparation for the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of NPC, revealed this on Monday in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, at the three-day capacity building workshop organised by the NPC for Population Correspondents in preparation for the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

Kwarra said the remaining two LGAs of Abadam (Borno State) and Birnin Gwari (Kaduna State) which have not been demarcated as a result of security challenges would be demarcated very soon.

He said the commission has also conducted the first and the second census pre-test exercises to test the census instruments in preparation for the census, adding that the trial census would be conducted in June this year.

“The Commission is on course in its mission of delivering an accurate census to Nigerians and a strategic partnership with the media will form the tripod upon which the census architecture will stand to reach out to the Nigerian people.

“With the approval by Mr. President for the conduct of the next Population and Housing Census in 2023, preparations are in top gear for the successful implementation of the census project.

“Census is a national event and is the responsibility of every citizen to participate by presenting themselves to be counted.

“The Commission will no doubt, need the support of all stakeholders to deliver to the country a credible and reliable data it can use for sustainable development planning.

“Over the years, the Commission has invested considerable time and resources planning for the census by drawing from its rich institutional experience spanning two censuses and a pool of tested professionals to give the nation a truly digital and scientific census that will generate data for national planning within the context of our present realities,” he said.

On the essence of the training workshop for the journalists, Kwarra said the commission was convinced that building the capacity of journalists and deepening their understanding of the census process would, undoubtedly, enhance the productivity of individual correspondents in reporting even more positively the activities of the Commission to the Nigerian citizenry before, during and after the census.

He said, “The overarching goal of this workshop is to share with you the vision of the Commission and draw on your support to ensure broad-based national cooperation for the implementation of the activities of the National Population Commission, especially the coming census 2023.”

He reiterated that getting the 2023 Population and Housing Census right is a task that must be done, adding that Commission is irrevocably committed to ensuring that “everything about the census is done rightly and professionally.”

“We have the clear vision, commitment and professional capacity to deliver on this historic mandate,” he assured.

In his welcome address, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, Chairman, Public Affairs Committee, NPC, said the conduct of the workshop has marked another milestone in the determination of the Commission to conduct a credible, reliable and acceptable census.

Oyetunji pointed out that “census taking is a people exercise, therefore getting the people involved to participate and own it, is paramount to its overall success.”

He pointed out that using the right communication tool in stakeholder engagement would serve as a lubricant for the successful mobilisation of critical support for the 2023 census as well as help to clarify possible misrepresentations and misconceptions that are bound to occur in the course of conducting the census.

The theme of the training workshop is “Getting the People Involved.” (Daily Independent)

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