The chairman of United Bank for Africa Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, has said that having a thorough understanding of Nigeria’s population will speed up economic progress.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that at a donor engagement over Nigeria’s 2023 Housing and Population Census, Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group and Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) Plc, announced this on Monday in Abuja.
For the future of our nation, he believes that the business of census-taking is crucial.
“We cannot accurately design our socioeconomic progress, social objectives, or developmental route if we do not know our population.
With an estimated population of over 200 million, Nigeria is the most populous nation in Africa. In Nigeria, population growth and development are intricately linked.
Nigeria last conducted a census in 2006, when 140 million people were counted in the country.
According to projections, Nigeria’s population will reach 450 million by 2050, making it the third most populated nation in the world. “Now, our population is anticipated to be in excess of 200 million,” he stated.
Elumelu praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his admirable efforts to plan the housing and population census for 2023.
He contends that reliable demographic information is crucial for both the public and private sectors.
“We are all aware that our environment is data driven.
“As a leader in the private sector with investments in significant areas of the Nigerian economy, I am well aware of the value and significance of available, accessible and significant data.
“Data aids in making wise judgments, promoting development, and opening up opportunities,” he stated.
The upcoming census, according to him, will present a chance to gather precise and trustworthy information on the population and housing conditions of the nation, marking an important turning point in Nigeria’s development.
He pleaded with the authorities to make sure the census was accurate because the results would be an essential tool for policymakers, businesspeople, and civil society organizations.
He added that the census will have an impact on how Nigeria allocates resources and many other crucial choices, so it is crucial that the procedure be trustworthy and legal.
“At the moment, projections for the Nigerian population are uncertain, and estimates of its demographic makeup are disputed.
“Unfortunately, demographic distribution and census data have been politicised.
“Population statistics affect how much money gets allocated, who gets to hold what office, who gets to vote in elections, and more.
Elumelu stated, “We need to act for our nation as a whole and the next generations. The stakes are enormous for diverse interest groups.”
He asserted that Nigeria needed a thorough and reliable population count and added that the National Population Commission should conduct itself ethically.
Elumelu said that the NPC’s challenge is to conduct a census that adheres to public acceptance standards. The most obvious ones are accessible, verifiable, transparent, and reliable universal coverage.
“In this regard, counting the population shouldn’t be a burdensome task for citizens. We must communicate with everyone.
“A credible exercise and result ought to inspire pride and serve as evidence of our Intent and capacity” he said.
