The Federal Government on Tuesday pledged to conduct a credible and transparent national census, saying it will “not sacrifice due process for speed,” the information minister told visiting officials from the National Population Commission.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made the comment when Dr Aminu Yusuf, chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), led a management team on a courtesy visit to his office.
The minister said the government wants a census that meets international standards and wins public trust.
Dr Yusuf has repeatedly promised a technology-led, transparent count and set out plans to improve demographic data in Nigeria.
The NPC chairman has described the next census as a “national mission” that must be accurate and acceptable to all Nigerians.
The ministry and the NPC discussed public education, technology, staff training and measures to reduce manipulation of results.
Minister Idris stressed that transparency and clear procedures will be used to build confidence and reduce disputes after the count.
The commission said it will continue stakeholder engagement and publish its plans so Nigerians can follow preparations for the census.
Officials asked citizens to cooperate with enumerators when the exercise begins.
