Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged the newly appointed commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC) to prioritize the accuracy of Nigeria’s population statistics in the upcoming census.
He emphasized that having precise figures is crucial for effective economic planning and equitable distribution of infrastructure across the nation.
Speaking at an inauguration dinner for Chief Emmanuel Trump Eke, the federal commissioner representing Abia State on the NPC Board, Kalu stressed the need to move away from mere estimations and uncertainties regarding Nigeria’s population size.
He highlighted the importance of changing this narrative to ensure better planning and resource allocation.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu expressed his concerns, stating, “The charge to you people as commissioners, to be honest, we don’t know our number in Nigeria.
We cannot keep claiming we are the giant of Africa when we don’t have an accurate statistics of our actual number as a nation. It’s embarrassing.”
Kalu’s remarks underscored the significance of having precise population data to guide developmental policies and investments.
He emphasized the need for commissioners to provide exact figures for each state and region, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure development and resource allocation.
“When we call Ogun State, you tell us the number. We call Abia, you tell us. Total number in the South East, you give us.
Total in the South West, North West, South South, etc., you give us so that we can plan because economic planning without actual knowledge of the population is a waste of time,” Kalu asserted.
He further elaborated on the repercussions of inaccurate population estimates, warning that inadequate planning could lead to infrastructure strain and inefficiencies.
Kalu emphasized that without a clear understanding of population dynamics, policymakers risked misallocating resources, ultimately hindering the nation’s progress.
The Deputy Speaker’s call for accuracy in population determination reflects a broader need for data-driven governance and strategic planning in Nigeria.
As the country strives for sustainable development and economic growth, ensuring reliable population statistics is paramount to achieving these objectives.
With the NPC commissioners now tasked with this responsibility, their commitment to producing accurate census data will be critical in shaping Nigeria’s future trajectory.
