Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed worry over the confusion surrounding Nigeria’s population figures and called for a proper national census to clear the doubts.
He raised the concern on Wednesday when he met with the leadership and staff of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja.
The team visited him to update the Senate on their level of preparation for the upcoming population count.
Nigeria has not conducted a national census since 2006, and Akpabio said the absence of reliable data has created serious confusion both locally and internationally.
He said it is disturbing that Nigerians speaking on behalf of the country at global events cannot state the country’s actual population.
He mentioned that figures often change from one event to another, with some claiming 250 million, others saying 270 million, and some foreign observers even putting the number at over 300 million.
In recent discussions, he said the figure has dropped again to 220 million, showing the need for a clear and official count.
Akpabio explained that no country can plan properly if it does not know how many people live in it.
He pointed out that planning for schools, food, infrastructure, and other basic needs requires accurate numbers.
He warned that failing to carry out a proper census means failing to plan for the future of the next generation.
He gave the NPC the assurance of the Senate’s support, adding that the National Assembly would stand behind the commission to ensure the success of the exercise once the president gives the go-ahead.
Akpabio also expressed confidence in the team handling the preparations and said they are capable of delivering once the process officially begins.
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