NPC Pledges Accurate Census, Zero Tolerance for Double Counting in 2023

By Praise Chinecherem

The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra on Wednesday assured Nigerians that the 2023 population and housing census would not only be accurate and reliable, but transformational.

Kwarra gave the assurance at the palace of Igwe Collins Chukwumelu, Traditional ruler of Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State while monitoring the ongoing trial census taking place in six communities in the area.

He also pledged a zero tolerance to double counting or inflation of figures during the exercise, appealing for cooperation of Nigerians to ensure a smooth exercise.

According to Kwarra, the choice of Anambra for the flagg off was to give the Southeast prominence as well as encourage people from the zone to submit themselves to be enumerated.

He said, “We’re working for nobody but for Nigeria and Nigerians. The census is very important to us because for the past 16 years the country has been without actual census. 

“We’re committed to conducting census that’s not only digital, but scientific which will be verifiable. We’re not going to give room for any double counting or inflation of figures. 

“The 2023 census will be transformational, one that will assist Nigeria to plan better and formulate policies, being not just the most populous country in Africa, but most economically advanced.”

He added, “I’ve chosen Anambra State from the entire country to mark this first day of the trial census to give Southeast prominence to encourage them and indeed the entire Nigerians to submit themselves to be enumerated.

“Having mobilized high technology devices, we expect Nigerians to fully cooperate with us. We don’t want anyone to be left behind.”

Earlier, President General, Alor Peoples Convention, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa expressed appreciation to the Commission for the visit, assuring of maximum cooperation to ensure a hitchfree and successful exercise.

The NPC boss was accompanied on the visit by Federal Commissioners representing Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States in the commission, led by the Anambra State commissioner, Chief Chidi Ezeoke.