Nigeria’s 2025 National Population Census: Latest Updates and What to Expect

Introduction

Nigeria is preparing for its first biometric and digital Population and Housing Census since 2006. This long-awaited exercise aims to provide accurate demographic data to aid national development and resource allocation. With recent government approvals, budget discussions, and stakeholder engagements, the 2025 National Population Census in Nigeria is moving closer to execution.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming census, including government support, funding updates, recruitment alerts, and why this exercise is critical for the country.

Senate Approves Budget for 2025 Census

In January 2025, the Nigerian Senate approved the budget proposal for the National Population Commission (NPC), marking a significant step toward conducting the census. The NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, emphasized that the biometric technology-driven census aligns with the 2030 global census standards and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Although the approved budget covers operational costs, a separate budget for the census will be presented after presidential approval.

President Tinubu’s Commitment to the Census

On February 24, 2025, President Bola Tinubu reassured the NPC of his commitment to conducting a successful census. He plans to establish a committee to align census funding with the nation’s economic realities. Additionally, he stressed the integration of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) into census planning for better coordination and accurate data collection.

National Assembly’s Support for the Census

The National Assembly has expressed full support for the census initiative. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the urgency of conducting the census to aid effective governance and policy-making.

Given the financial constraints, lawmakers are considering alternative funding sources, such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund, to ensure the census is adequately funded and executed successfully.

NPC Warns Against Fake Recruitment Scams

The NPC has cautioned Nigerians against fraudulent recruitment websites falsely advertising job opportunities for the 2025 census. The Commission clarified that no official recruitment process has commenced and urged citizens to rely only on NPC’s official communication channels for updates.

Why the 2025 Census is Important for Nigeria

Nigeria’s current estimated population is around 235.8 million, according to Worldometer’s projection from United Nations data. An accurate population and housing census is essential for:

• National planning and development
• Effective resource allocation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure
• Political representation and constituency adjustments
• Improved security and economic policies

The 2025 biometric census will ensure credible, transparent, and technology-driven data collection, eliminating past inconsistencies.

Conclusion

The 2025 National Population Census in Nigeria represents a major step toward acquiring reliable demographic data to drive national progress. With strong government backing, technological advancements, and public cooperation, the census aims to transform Nigeria’s development planning.

Stay updated with official NPC announcements to avoid falling for recruitment scams. As preparations continue, Nigerians must support and participate in this historic digital census for a better future.