Nigeria’s most recent comprehensive population census took place in 2006, leaving the country without reliable demographic data for two decades.
This prolonged absence of accurate population figures constitutes a significant governance challenge, affecting critical sectors such as education, healthcare, and electoral planning, and hindering effective resource allocation across the nation.
Civic technology platform Tracka has highlighted disbursements amounting to N129.5 billion to various contractors and service providers for activities linked to the suspended 2023 National Population Census, covering the period from February 2022 to December 2023.
Despite substantial public expenditure and initial mobilisation efforts, the exercise was halted without the publication of any enumeration outcomes or tangible results, prompting calls for greater transparency regarding the utilisation of these funds.
An accurate population census serves as the cornerstone for informed policymaking and sustainable development in any modern state.
In its absence, governments struggle to address overcrowding in schools, under-resourcing in health facilities, and inequities in service delivery.
Tracka has formally requested detailed accountability from the relevant authorities and emphasised that citizens deserve clarity on the expenditure of public resources, underscoring the need for responsive governance and institutional transparency.
