Problems of Census in Nigeria & Solutions

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Population census in a country is important because it helps to know

the size of the population and inhabitants of its geographical area.

It also helps to determine the human capital available and the number

of unemployed. This in turn helps in the formulation of policies to

meet the country’s needs. This article is on the problems and

challenges facing the successful counting of Nigerians in the country

and solutions to these problems.









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Problems of Census in Nigeria & Solutions







Ethnic and Religious beliefs









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Many ethnic and religious beliefs have hindered the successful

conduction of census in Nigeria. For example, some areas of Nigeria

(especially in the north) do not allow women or wives to participate

in the process of a population census. It is one of the reasons why

many cannot trust population census results in the north. The northern

population is always recorded to be higher than any other part of

Nigeria. The question of reliability of the information regarding the

high population of the north remains a topic of discussion as regards

the Nigerian population census. Many believe these records are false

and demand that a truthful census report is needed.



Falsification of results



The last Nigerian census which was conducted in 2006 came with many

complaints. Many believe that the demographic information of the

country was falsified and the actual figures were overestimated in the

published report. Foreign agencies have also condemned the Nigerian

Population Census Committee for dishonest work and fraudulent

activities during the census.







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During the population census of 2006, there were reports of cases

where officials of the National Population Census Commission received

bribes from government officials so they will not carry out the

procedure properly and falsify results. It was said that there were

towns and villages that no officials visited and numbers were made up,

recorded and published. There are various reasons for the

falsification of population census results in Nigeria. One is that

population census is carried out to determine revenue allocation among

states. States and regions that have a high population get more funds

and allocations from the federal government. Another reason is because

Nigerian census determines the distribution of wealth. Nigeria’s

major source of revenue is via oil which is generated mainly from the

east. However, the north gets the most allocation of funds because of

the size of population. This is a reason why many believe population

records are falsified in Nigeria.



Cost of the Census



Carrying out a population census is quite an expensive venture. Many

developing countries like Nigeria cannot afford the equipment and

procedures in order to conduct an efficient population census. Modern

geographic information techniques such as remote sensing, aerial

photographs, Geographical Positioning System GPS, digital cartography

and computer based Geographic Information System (GIS). These

equipment are needed to facilitate rapid input, management and

analysis of data for the successful conduct of population censuses in

Nigeria. Most of the equipment cannot be afforded in Nigeria.



Use of traditional means of counting







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The last national population census in Nigeria, conducted in 2006 used

traditional means of counting. This does not make for accurate and

dependable data. The National Population Census Commission needs to

design and adopt new and modern techniques such as biometric in

conducting censuses in the future. This will ensure that the data are

accurate and can be verified by modern equipment and not based on word

of mouth.



Inadequate preparation and planning



In Nigeria, plans are not properly made in preparation of the

population census. There needs to be early and adequate training of

staff of the commission on issues such as the collection of data and

use of instruments.



High level of illiteracy



The high level of illiteracy and ignorance in Nigeria also poses a

challenge to the successful conduct of population censuses in Nigeria.

People have different beliefs as regards population censuses. Some

people avoid contact with officials while some act hostile to the

officials because they believe getting counted is a taboo. Some also

regard it as a taboo to count people while they are still alive and

believe anyone who gets counted exposes himself to all sorts of ill

fortunes and sufferings such as ailments to even death. Some believe

that the government conducts censuses in order to increase taxes.

Other misconceptions about census include that is a tool for ethnic

dominance and to determine the economic status of people. This is the

reason many give incorrect information which then leads to inaccurate

data. It will be very difficult to conduct a successful census in

Nigeria if the citizens are not cooperative. In order to solve this

problem, the government through the National Population Census

Commission needs to embark on re-orientation programs to help change

the wrong perception and mindset of most Nigerians.



Poor quality of educational campaigns







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In earlier censuses in Nigeria, there is usually not enough

sensitization and education of the masses. This is why the census is

met with hostility and much ignorance. The National Population Census

Commission should carefully organize campaigns to create awareness and

educate people on census exercises. The commission should also adopt

the effective use of media; both print and electronic media, social

media and other means of communication to give adequate publicity and

create awareness. It is extremely important for the masses to have

adequate information about the importance of the census exercise so

they can be willing to participate.



Poor condition of infrastructure in some areas



Some areas in Nigeria have very poor infrastructural conditions such

as bad state of roads and lack of good road network. This makes it

difficult to conduct an effective population census. Some areas are

also very underdeveloped to the point that one cannot get there by

means of a car. This discourages the population census officials from

getting there. When all these faults persist, the records of such

areas can hardly be reliable.



Insufficient qualification of census officials



Many officials conducting the population census lack the necessary

level of qualification needed. Ideally, only experts who have been

trained in dealing with data and other population issues are supposed

to be entrusted with the task of conducting a population census. The

commission should ensure adequate training for the staff during future

population censuses,



Unreliable demographic maps



Nigeria still works on outdated and inaccurate demographic maps. This

makes it difficult for the commission to take note of all the remote

settlements in the country. The commission needs to be invest time and

money to ensure experts draw out accurate demographic maps.

















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