The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed concern over the prolonged delay in conducting a national population census in Nigeria, emphasizing that it is crucial for establishing the country’s true numerical strength.

Speaking in Abuja  during a courtesy visit by the board and management of the National Population Commission (NPC), Speaker Abbas reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a biometric-based census. 

He described the headcount as long overdue and essential for accurate demographic data.

The NPC delegation, led by its Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, and Director-General, Dr. Ojogun Tellson Osifo, informed the Speaker that President Tinubu had approved the biometric census to take place in 2025. 

In response, Abbas stressed the importance of the exercise, stating, “It is unacceptable for a country as large as Nigeria to go 19 years without a population census.”

He also expressed willingness to engage with President Tinubu and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to ensure that necessary steps are taken to facilitate the process.