The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced that the postponement of the 2023 general elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has resulted in the delay of the population census.
Dr. Tony Aiyejina, the Federal Commissioner representing Edo State, explained during an interactive media chat in Benin that the NPC had rescheduled the census to May but was unable to proceed due to the onset of the rainy season, which necessitated adherence to the global principle of simultaneity in conducting census exercises.
Dr. Aiyejina emphasized that when the census eventually takes place, it will be both accurate and reliable, with measures in place to eliminate the controversies that plagued past censuses.
He highlighted the introduction of Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) machines, which would minimize human errors encountered in previous exercises and ensure auditing capabilities.
Addressing public concerns regarding the expenditure of N800 billion prior to the postponement, Dr. Aiyejina clarified that the NPC had only utilized N200 billion of the budgeted amount.
He stated, “The census was postponed due to the rescheduling of the elections by INEC. However, given the current rainy season, conducting the census is not feasible at this time. Previous censuses were marred by controversies, but the 2023 census will not be influenced by any external factors. We have opted for a digital census, utilizing Personal Digital Assistants that are specially configured and traceable to monitor fieldwork.”
Dr. Aiyejina further explained, “Our goal is to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and audibility of the census. We aimed to insulate the census from politics, which is why we planned for a gap of two months after the elections. Unfortunately, the adjustments made by INEC affected the NPC’s timeline, pushing it from March to May. However, we encountered unforeseen challenges due to the rainy season, resulting in the unavoidable postponement. It is important to note that no mistakes were made or issues encountered during this process.”
Underscoring the significance of the census, Dr. Aiyejina emphasized that it is crucial for future planning rather than catering to the present government’s needs. He stressed the necessity of accurate statistics to enable effective government planning and stated that with precise census figures, Nigeria can align with developed nations.
Dr. Aiyejina assured the public that the media would be able to hold the government accountable with accurate census data. He also dismissed concerns about malfunctions with the PDAs, drawing a comparison to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System. He urged Nigerians to maintain optimism and trust that the NPC would deliver the best census in the nation’s history.
Despite the postponement, Dr. Aiyejina confirmed that all sensitive materials for the census were securely stored at the Benin branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Other materials had been distributed to the 18 local government areas of the state, under the watchful eye of District Police Officers.
He encouraged residents of the state to be available when the Commission is ready to conduct the exercise. Dr. Aiyejina emphasized that unlike elections, apathy would not be excused during the census.
He advised residents to be counted wherever they reside, without the need to travel back to their hometowns.
During the interactive session, senior members of the Edo NPC, such as Mr. Saturday Ekeoba, presented papers on “Cartographic Perspectives in Census Making,” Mrs. Rita Aigbokhan discussed “Preparation for Census in Edo State,” and Mrs. Adesuwa Aigbobayi provided an overview of vital registration in Edo State.