Oluwafunbi Bello ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has launched a major geospatial data initiative to modernise preparations for its long-delayed national census, signalling a shift toward technology-driven population planning nearly 20 years after its last count.
The project, unveiled in Abuja on Thursday, is being supported by the United Nations Population Fund and will run over 18 months to upgrade the country’s population and spatial data systems.
Speaking at the launch, UNFPA Resident Representative Muriel Mafico said reliable census data is critical for governance, economic planning and development.
Nigeria’s last population census was conducted in 2006, leaving policymakers reliant on outdated estimates that experts say undermine evidence-based decision-making.
“Population data determines the quality of national planning,” Mafico said, warning that outdated figures weaken development programmes and policy implementation.
Chairman of the National Population Commission, Aminu Yusuf, said the initiative would provide spatially precise and integrated data to support credible census operations.
Officials clarified that the project does not replace the census but strengthens the technical infrastructure required for its success.
The Statistician-General of the Federation, Adeyemi Adediran, noted that geospatial intelligence is now central to modern governance, while the National Identity Management Commission highlighted the role of identity systems in improving data accuracy.
Experts say the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning will further enhance mapping, data validation and planning efficiency.
The initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a credible, inclusive and technology-enabled census — a critical step toward tracking Nigeria’s development goals and economic planning priorities.
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