The conduct of the 2016 Population and Housing Census will add value to the implementation of the Change Agenda of the Federal Government through the provision of accurate and reliable demographic data for evidence based planning for sustainable development.
The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma stated this at the State House on 11th August 2015 when he led members and management of the Commission to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the Status and Activities of the
Commission. He noted that the Change Agenda and other development agenda such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 20:20:20 will require demographic data to benchmark their progress.
While justifying the need for the conduct of the 2016 Census, Duruiheoma observed that the last census was conducted in 2006 Census and the next census will be in conformity with United Nations recommendation on decennial censuses if it is conducted in 2016. The 2016 Census will be biometric based and this will eliminate multiple enumeration and enumeration of ghost respondents during the census.
In addition biometric census will make the outcome of census auditable, improve accuracy and enhance the acceptability of the census outcome both locally and internationally. As part of the preparations for the next Census, the Commission reviewed the process for the conduct of Census 2006 at a workshop in Minna, Niger State in 2013, prepared the Census Strategy Plan, budget and timelines, after analysis and consultations with key stakeholders.
The sum of N272, 075,837,013 will be required for the census spanning a period of four years (2015 – 2018) and will cover the preparatory activities, actual enumeration and post census period was arrived at for the Census. Other preparatory activities implemented for the 2016 Census include convening a workshop in October 2014 in Minna for the design of census instruments and questionnaire contents, organised a Data Users/Producers workshop in Kaduna in December 2014, which examined census instruments and questionnaire contents.
The Commission has acquired from the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGF) High Resolution Satellite Imageries for 128 cities/towns and 80% of 2.5 metre Resolution Imageries required for the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) for the census. However the 1.5 metre Resolution Imageries for rural localities are yet to be acquired.
In order to test the methodology for the 2016 Census EAD, the Commission demarcated and produced Satellite Image Enumeration Areas maps for Akoko South-East LGA in Ondo State in December 2014, as a pilot exercise for the Enumeration Area Demarcation Project. The demarcation exercise when completed nationwide will provide a National Frame for all census(es) and surveys.
To ensure the smooth and scientific conduct of the 2016 Census, the Commission will acquire High Resolution Satellite Imagery covering the whole country of 928,000 sq. km land area through the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGOF) including Very High Resolution Satellite Imagery for major urban centers.
There will be development of acceptable Locality list for all the 774 LGAs, creation of Enumeration Area database linking Localities, Households & Buildings with the LGAs and States, production of Enumeration Area frame of internationally acceptable standards and systematic numbering of all buildings in all localities Information of respondents bio data, socio-economic status, housing characteristics and biometrics (finger prints / facial impression) using electronic direct data capture device already will be collected.
The NPC Chairman assured that the 2016 Census will produce gazetted list, number and types of localities in Nigeria, comprehensive/systematic numbering of all buildings in all localities in Nigeria showing types and uses, and National Household Register to serve as a reference authentication database for verification of citizen identity and National Security.
The 2016 Census will also produce demographic database linking the national Civil Registration Infrastructure through a unified communication network to guarantee real time on-line update of Vital Events (birth and death). He however listed paucity of fund, lack of office accommodation and presidential proclamation as some of the challenges confronting the 2016 Census. Responding to the presentation, President Muhammadu Buhari urged government agencies to harmonize the collection and usage of biometric data instead of replicating efforts.
Buhari wondered why each agency would gather its own biometric data, when such data could easily be shared. “It will be more cost effective if you work together. It helps even the credibility of the election process, as Nigerians of voting age can be identified easily’’, he said.
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