‘Time for excuses over’ — Kwankwaso demands fresh census after 20-year delay

Vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Federal Government to conduct a fresh national Population and Housing Census, saying Nigeria has gone 20 years without the exercise.

Kwankwaso made the demand in a statement posted on his official X page on July 11, 2026, to mark this year’s World Population Day.

According to Kwankwaso, Nigeria has continued to rely on population figures from the 2006 census for key national planning, including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment and resource allocation.

He said the absence of updated population data has affected effective planning and equitable development across the country.

“The last exercise, held in 2006, has left us relying on outdated population figures for critical national decisions on education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, employment, and resource allocation.”

Kwankwaso said accurate and current population statistics remain essential for governance, national security, sustainable development and inclusive growth.

“On this World Population Day, I strongly urge the Federal Government to prioritise and conduct a credible, transparent, and technology-driven national Population and Housing Census without further delay. The time for excuses is over. The time to act is now.”