1. Why Nigeria needs a Population and Housing Census
United Nations Regional Seminar on Promotion and Utilization of Census Results and on the Principles and Recommendations for Principles and Recommendations, South Africa, March 2014.
Chidimma B. Arukwe
National Population Commission
Abuja, Nigeria

2. Outline Introduction Censuses in Nigeria Census challenges
Why we need census in Nigeria
Enhancing utilization census data from 2020 round
Conclusion

3. Introduction
Nigeria has a controversial and chequered history of census taking. Highlights of main challenges of census-taking in Nigeria and need for another census are outlined in this presentation plus strategies to enhance 2020 census round data dissemination and utilization.

4. Past censuses in Nigeria……
1953
1963
1991
2006
20..?

5. What do we want from the population census?
Planning and policy formulation
Research and development
Denominators for vital data
Base population for population estimation
Providing small area data
Providing benchmark data or framework for various sample surveys

6. Census Challenges in Nigeria
Poor census taking culture
Perception of census data for only political representation and revenue allocation
Destabilizing political interference in census plan implementation

7. Census Challenges in Nigeria contd.
Inadequate funding of post census activities
Absence of suitable legal framework for early planning and periodic censuses
Poor census product utilization
Weak organizational infrastructure

8. Why do we need the next census?
Maintain the frequency of census in Nigeria periodically
Provide small area statistics
Provide relevant data suitable to address developmental and security issues
Provide needed data benchmarks for assessing MDG targets

9. Why do we need the next census? Contd.
Internalizing census culture for it to be a statistical exercise
Provide necessary data to drive Nigeria Development Vision of being one of the 20 top nations in 2020
To have a technology driven census that will seamlessly be geo-database compliant to the lowest level
To provide data that will meet users’ expectations and needs

10. Main users of census data
Ministries, Departments and Agencies
Independent Electoral Commission
National Planning Commission
National Bureau of Statistics
MDGs Office

11. Main users of census data contd.
Development Partners
Academia
Research Institutions
Private and Business sector
Regional Governments, etc.,

12. Enhancing census data utilization in 2020 round
Early and constant engagement of key stakeholders throughout the census process
Customizing census products in line with data users’ needs and aspirations
Conduct training on how to use census data for targeted audience

13. Enhancing census data utilization in 2020 round contd.
Continuous release of primary and derived indicators relevant for planning and monitoring current developmental issues especially at small area levels
Deployment of modern technology like social media in dissemination of census product in a dynamic manner

14. Conclusion
A lot of lessons learnt from the 2006 census are being used in planning for the next census in Nigeria and developing strategies for more effective utilization of data from the next census by all stakeholders.

15. Thank you Chidimma.Arukwe@population.gov.ng carukwe@yahoo.com