Speaking during an interaction with media practitioners, NPC Plateau Federal Commissioner Cecilia Dapoet stated that measures had been put in place to prevent any incidence of political influence on the census process.
Dapoet clarified that the census, originally scheduled for May 3 to May 7, was postponed due to the government's transition program and the post-election atmosphere in the country.
Contrary to claims of a lack of funds being the reason for the postponement, Dapoet explained that the decision was made in the national interest, taking into consideration the uncertainties that followed the elections.
She emphasised the need to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure the stability of the country. The commissioner dismissed financial constraints as the main factor and assured that the commission had already procured hand devices for data capturing, which were securely stored at the Central Bank in Jos. The software application for the census had also been set up prior to the postponement.
The postponement offers an opportunity to involve the new administration in the census, and Dapoet highlighted that the commission would utilise this time to re-evaluate its census work plan and incorporate any input that would enhance the success of the methodology.
She reiterated the readiness of the commission, citing completed activities such as Enumeration Area Demarcation, census pretests, trial census, recruitment, and training.
Dapoet acknowledged the challenges faced in previous censuses, including undercounting, multiple counting, and inaccurate enumeration, which resulted in a lack of trust in the data and its limited usability for planning and development purposes.
However, she expressed confidence that the 2023 census would provide high-quality data that could be effectively utilised for proper planning and development in Nigeria. The NPC remains focused on conducting a transparent and reliable census that will contribute to the nation's progress.
(NAN)