No public holiday is planned for the upcoming census, which is set to take place between May 3 and 7, 2023, according to the National Population Commission.
The panel emphasized the need for individuals to be available while also stating that everyone living in the nation, including immigrants, would be counted.
The test will be the first since the census of 2006. The commission had assured the public that the survey would be completed electronically.
The NPC spokesperson, Isiaka Yahaya, said in a conversation with our correspondent on Friday that there wouldn’t be a public holiday because people can move around more freely on those days, but there might be restrictions on movement based on prior experiences. I am unable to confirm that at this time. On that, the administration will issue a definitive statement.
“As long as foreigners are present in Nigeria, they will be counted. The whole population of Nigeria’s land area will be counted. According to the dictionary, a census is a count of every person. Only citizens was not mentioned. So, everyone who lived in the nation throughout the time of the census will be counted.
A component will be included that will inquire about their nationality and whether you are a foreigner. It is not separate because it is a part of the data that will be gathered.
He responded: “There is a rumor that persons who refuse to be counted would be sanctioned, when asked to clarify whether anyone who refuses to present oneself for the exercise will be sanctioned. What I know is that we have urged every Nigerian to be available for the exercise because it will benefit the country. There are offenses that we don’t want to emphasize, yet we lack the authority and resources to imprison anyone.”
Pam Dame, the NPC Director in Plateau State, has pledged that the exercise will be trustworthy and credible in the meantime.
Addressing on Friday in Jos at the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Plateau Chapter, Dame emphasized the significance of the activity the commission will use technology, according to a statement made to planning and national development, to ensure that the exercise went off without a hitch.
“The upcoming census will be a bit special because we have made plans for improvement over the past ones,” he said, urging Nigerians to work with the staff conducting the operation. Technology would be used to reduce the possibility of manipulation and make it credible, dependable, and acceptable to Nigerians.
Because we will take the necessary steps to make the census credible and acceptable, manipulating the results will be exceedingly difficult.
In order to avoid problems during the general elections, the commission was given the responsibility by NUJ’s state chairman, Mr. Paul Jatau, to provide sufficient training for its employees.
Census
