A headline circulating online and published on a website states: “BREAKING: FG to conduct population census in 2025”. The post, which gained significant traction online, claims that the Nigerian government has announced 2025 as the year for the long-anticipated national housing and population census.
Also, the claim alleges that this announcement was made by the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, during a media briefing in Abuja.
Verification
Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, marking a significant gap of 18 years without a follow-up exercise. The absence of regular census has created a data deficit that impacts developmental planning and resource allocation.
To verify the claim, Haltfake examined the information against the official statement released by the NPC. Contrary to the circulating post, the NPC categorically denied declaring a specific date for the next census.
Inaccurate and Misleading
In an official press release, the NPC clarified that the authority to set a census date lies exclusively with the President of Nigeria, not the Commission.
The NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, reportedly addressed the issue during the 30th Anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) held in Abuja.
Furthermore, the Chairman emphasised the urgent need to address significant data gaps in Nigeria, which hinder the development of targeted health services and other interventions.
While expressing optimism that President Tinubu would issue a proclamation for the census in the near future, no specific date was mentioned.
The NPC reiterated that any report claiming the Commission had announced 2025 as the census year was inaccurate and misleading.
Verdict
The claim that the Federal Government has set 2025 as the date for the next national census is MISLEADING.
While there is optimism about a presidential proclamation in the coming year, no formal date has been set or announced by the government.
It is crucial for the public to rely on verified sources for accurate information and avoid sharing unconfirmed claims that could mislead others.
