Nigerians Senate has resolved to call on the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), National Population Commission (NPC), and Ministry of Budget Planning, to make provisions for the National Census in the 2017 Budget.

Senate has also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to issue a proclamation for the holding of a Population and Housing Census in 2018.

This was however, followed by a motion sponsored during Tuesday Plenary by Senator Hunkuyi Suleiman and co-sponsored by Senators Abubakar Danladi, Gbolahan Dada, Kabiru Marafa and Baba Garbai, demanding that the Federal Government should expedite action on the planned 2018 National Census.

The lawmakers harped on the need to prepare adequately for the 2018 National Census even from now and the apparatus that needs to be in place.

They further urged the executive arm to take pro-active measures on the issue of census so that Nigeria can get the 2018 National Census right and that adequate preparation be made.

Senator Joshua Dariye, representing Plateau Central, while speaking on the motion, maintained that “in times past, Nigeria has been treading on harm path as a country due to poor statistical data. So, we have to get the 2018 Census right.”

Senator Bassey Akpan from Akwa Ibom, added that “we will no longer spend money finding data abroad if we get the National Census right in the country.”

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, in his brief comment, concluded that there is a great importance in the issue of data analysis from census, which he said would help national development.

Also today, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Justice Ejembi Eko and Justice Amina Augie, as justices of the country’s apex court.

Justice Eko is said to hail from Benue State, while Justice Augie is from Kebbi State.

President Buhari had written to the Senate seeking the confirmation of the two justices for the Supreme Court, to replace Justices John Fabiyi, and Muhammad Muntaka-Coomasie, following their retirement.

•Photo shows the Senate in session.

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