By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The National Population Commission (NPC) has said it cannot set a date for Nigeria’s next census.
Only President Bola Tinubu has the power to officially announce when the exercise will take place.
An NPC official told Newsmen Weekend:
“We are waiting for the president to proclaim the date of the census. We do not have that power. Our role now is advocacy, to encourage the president to announce the date and release funds.”
The commission explained that it has completed most of the preparation needed for the census, but the final approval and funding must come from the presidency.
Under former president Muhammadu Buhari, the NPC had trained staff across the country, purchased digital devices, and set aside funds for the 2023 census.
However, the transition to a new government delayed the process.
Since Tinubu came into office, no fresh proclamation has been made, leaving the census on hold.
NPC chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has repeatedly said the commission is ready but cannot move forward without presidential approval.
In November 2024, the NPC denied viral claims that 2025 had already been fixed for the census.
Nigeria last held a population and housing census in 2006. Since then, efforts to organize another one have been blocked by lack of funds, changes in government, and concerns over credibility.
Experts say a reliable census is important for national planning, resource distribution, and service delivery.
They add that beyond the president’s proclamation, proper funding and transparency are needed for success.
For now, attention remains on the presidency, which has been meeting with NPC officials and setting up committees in preparation for the exercise.