Challenges of National Population Census and Sustainable Development in Nigera : A Theoretical Exposition

Abstract

Population census undoubtedly is an important issue of concern in Nigeria. This is so because population, in terms of its size, and composition, has far-reaching implications for change, development and the quality of life in society. Since after the first census was undertaken in Nigeria, census exercises have triggered political, social, ethnic, religious controversies, geopolitical distrust and disputes that negatively affect nation building and sustainable development in the country. The sociopolitical environments around past census exercises in Nigeria are theoretically analyzed in this paper. Suggestions are offered on how to reduce negative perceptions for national census exercises in the future. It is recommended among other things that the National Population Commission (NPC) should rise to the occasion by ensuring that census data in Nigeria is not only accurate but a credible tool in National transformation and development.