NPC CHAIRMAN HOSTS NIGERIA COMPUTER SOCIETY DELEGATION, AFFIRMS PRESIDENT TINUBU’S COMMITMENT TO BIOMETRIC CENSUS

March 14, 2025

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to conducting Nigeria’s first biometric Population and Housing Census. He revealed that President Tinubu had been a proponent of biometric census even before the United Nations recommended incorporating biometric features in the 2030 round of censuses, which commenced this year.

Hon. Kwarra made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), led by its National President, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja on March 13, 2025. He emphasized that the biometric census aims to improve the precision and reliability of population data, which is crucial for national planning and development.

"The integration of biometric features such as fingerprint, facial, and voice recognition will ensure the census is both accurate and verifiable," Hon. Kwarra stated. He added that this approach would address past controversies surrounding inflated population figures in certain regions.

Hon. Kwarra also highlighted the NPC's commitment to an eco-friendly census process. By utilizing digital technologies, the NPC plans to conduct a largely paperless operation, significantly reducing paper waste and minimizing carbon emissions associated with traditional census methods.

He reported that the NPC has already completed geospatial data collection through Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) across all 774 local government areas using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This effort was further supported by the launch of the National Geospatial Repository Database by President Tinubu in November 2023. Additionally, the Commission has acquired 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) for the upcoming census.

In preparation for the census, the NPC has established two digital data centers and developed locally-made software applications for EAD and census operations. The Commission has also digitized the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system in partnership with Barnksforte Technologies Limited, creating a digital application called VITALREG.

Hon. Kwarra expressed optimism about collaborating with the NCS and other organizations to ensure a seamless census implementation. "Your Society is one of the organizations we intend to work with. We will involve NCS members and IT professionals in the upcoming census, starting with the training of trainers stage," he said.

Earlier, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, the NCS National President, stressed the importance of collaboration, noting, "With over 20,000 members nationwide, we are well-positioned to support the NPC in achieving its mandate, particularly for the Population and Housing Census." He commended the NPC's digitalization efforts, highlighting their potential to eliminate data duplication and enhance overall efficiency.

Dr. Aliyu pointed out that the NCS serves as the umbrella organization for all IT professionals, interest groups, and stakeholders, and has been a leader in promoting the creation, use, and deployment of IT-based systems in Nigeria for over 40 years. He also discussed potential collaborative programs the NCS could support the NPC with, adding that the Society has provided similar initiatives for several government agencies. He called for increased public awareness to garner support and cooperation for NPC activities.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the NPC, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, reiterated the significance of a biometric census in establishing a comprehensive and verifiable database of Nigeria's population.

Key NPC officials present at the meeting included Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, various directors, and management staff.

Aaron Isaac, Hicia News