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Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has called on the government to conduct a credible national Population and Housing Census, warning that Nigeria’s reliance on outdated data is affecting planning and development.
In a statement marking World Population Day 2026, Kwankwaso said Nigeria’s failure to conduct a census since 2006 has created a “data vacuum” that undermines decision-making in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and employment.
“It is deeply concerning that our nation has not conducted a national Population and Housing Census in two decades,” Kwankwaso said, adding that the country “cannot continue to shape the future of estimated over 200 million Nigerians using statistics frozen in time.”
The former governor said accurate population figures remain essential for effective governance, national security and sustainable development.
“Accurate, up-to-date population statistics are the bedrock of good governance, national security, sustainable development, and inclusive growth,” he stated.
Kwankwaso urged the government to prioritise a “credible, transparent, and technology-driven national Population and Housing Census without further delay,” insisting that “the time for excuses is over. The time to act is now.”
Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, with subsequent exercises delayed by funding, political and logistical challenges.
