The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to fix a date for national census scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2019 .
This followed a motion under “ Matters of Urgent Public Importance ” by Rep . Ossy Prestige (Abia - APGA ), on the need to conduct census for proper planning and development in Nigeria .
Moving the motion , the lawmaker quoted the United Nations Fund for Population Activities as saying that Nigeria had a dynamic economy and large population expected to double in the next two decades.
He said that census is a pivotal and necessary tool for the growth of any emerging society , which in turn informed decision - making at all facets of public and private sector .
Prestige pointed out that the last census was held in 2006 , and that the nation ’ s population then was estimated at 140 , 431 , 790 , with estimated growth of less than three per cent yearly.
He said that 12 years after the census , the current population of Nigeria was not known , but the recent estimate by the present Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC ) put the population at 297 million .
The lawmaker expressed concern that the lack of up - to -date and accurate data on population in Nigeria had affected national planning and development at all levels that culminated in human and agricultural insecurity in Nigeria .
He said that a census based on biometric data would capture all Nigerians, adding that it would also help to solve problems of infiltration and internal security including kidnapping , terrorism and armed robbery.
The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara .
The House , therefore , urged the government to make provisions for census funds in 2019 Budget and also appealed to international communities to support same .
It further asked the Federal Government to mobilise the NPC for the completion of Enumeration Area Demarcation and preliminary preparation of the census .
The House also mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to liaise with the NPC for strict compliance and report back to it for further legislative action.
(NAN )
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