Population and Housing Census in Nigeria

Abstract

The housing census plays an important role in estimating the population of Nigeria. It provides valuable insights into population structure, distribution and housing conditions in the country. The Housing Census is a comprehensive data collection effort that helps planners, urban planners, and researchers make informed decisions. The main objectives are to identify the critical issues in conducting census exercise for the federation of Nigeria. Conducting decennial population and housing census, although being phased out in developed nations, has especially in developing states, remained the main source of quality demographic data. In Nigeria, such censuses conducted have not in her history, been only the crucial source of statistical data for socio-economic, political and sustainable development, but also problematic, sensitive, divisive, expensive, and controversial. This study used secondary sources of data and historical method of data analysis to identify the major issues confronting future census exercise in Nigeria. For any future census to be conducted in Nigeria, there are major issues/challenges of inaccessibility to some areas due to militancy in the Niger Delta; renewed Boko Haram insurgency, resultant effects of ethno-religious conflicts; agitations for re-structuring Nigeria, internally displaced persons and camps, proper and timely sourcing of funding, proper management/administration of ethno-religious issues involving sensitive questions, recruitment/appointment scams of census officials and enumerators, among others. This study recommends shift from the traditional and decennial to administrative census; intensive and extensive enlightenment, involvement of traditional and communities’ leaders, among others.