FG Banks on Media Power for Credible National Census
By Joseph Erunke
As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming national census, the federal government is prioritizing effective communication to ensure a credible, transparent, and internationally recognized headcount. This commitment was emphasized by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a visit by the National Population Commission (NPC) leadership in Abuja on Wednesday.
Idris underscored the critical role of reliable population data in national planning, warning that inaccurate figures can undermine development efforts and policy implementation. He stated, 'Our census must be trustworthy for Nigerians and acceptable to the international community.' The Tinubu administration, he added, is dedicated to prioritizing credibility, legality, and due process over haste.
The minister assured the NPC of the Ministry of Information's full support, including access to government-owned media platforms such as the National Orientation Agency, Nigerian Television Authority, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Voice of Nigeria, and the News Agency of Nigeria. These platforms will be utilized to mobilize citizens and advocate for nationwide participation once the President officially announces the census date.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to Idris, is meticulously aligning all legal and procedural requirements to meet international standards. The presidential proclamation, he noted, remains the legal trigger for the census. Idris encouraged the NPC to leverage government media platforms for ongoing public education and pledged the ministry's full communication resources for the national interest.
Dr. Aminu Yusuf, the NPC Chairman, expressed gratitude for the Ministry of Information's consistent support, highlighting public mobilization as crucial for census success. He revealed that the commission is operationally prepared, with logistics, ICT infrastructure, systems, and personnel continually refined to ensure efficiency, transparency, and credibility once a new census date is announced.
Yusuf also emphasized the importance of sustained access to government media platforms to enhance public understanding of census participation, civil registration, and vital statistics. He stressed that public trust is essential for effective population management in Nigeria, and the NPC will continue to engage with the public to build confidence in the census process.
