Insecurity won’t affect 2023 census, it will be fully digitalised — NPC

The National Population Commission (NPC) has promised that the 2023 census will hold in all parts of the country despite the security challenges in some states.

The commission also said the census will be fully digitalised as it has already commenced using digital maps for counting houses.

Chairman of the Commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, disclosed this in Kano when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero in his palace on Monday.

Kwarra also said NPC has so far demarcated 773 Local Government areas in the country, with only one left to complete the exercise.

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He said, “We are here on an advocacy visit as part of our preparations for the 2023 census due to the critical role of traditional institutions. Preparations for the census have already been intensified, and despite the security challenges in some places, the preparations have gone far across the federation.

“So far, we have already demarcated 773 Local Government areas and only one is left. We have developed digital maps using high technology, and by April next year, when the census will hold, everything will be fully digital. We have counted a number of houses and we are testing the other instruments of the census and huge success is being recorded so far.”

Kwarra then pleaded with the Emir to help convey the message of the commission to all other traditional rulers down to the local level across the state.

Responding, the Emir called on the people of the state to give maximum support towards the success of the exercise.

“Census is very important as it helps the government in planning policies and provision of basic amenities to people. I assure you that NPC will be supported in all its activities in all the five emirates in the state,” Emir Bayero assured.

He also called on people to give their maximum support and ensure everyone is counted so the state could maintain its position as the most populous state in the country.

Daily Trust reports that the NPC Chairman also held an interactive session with key staff of the commission, and was accompanied by many Federal Commissioners, Directors and other staff of the commission.