By Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo
Nigeria, the pulsating heart of Africa, stands at a critical juncture in its development trajectory. With a rich tapestry of cultures and a burgeoning population, the nation’s future hinges on the accuracy and integrity of its demographic data. The history of census exercises in Nigeria is a complex narrative, marked by political tensions, logistical hurdles, and widespread distrust.
From the colonial era counts, which were often viewed with suspicion and used to serve imperial interests, to post-independence attempts marred by ethnic and regional rivalries, . Nigeria’s quest for a credible, reliable and widely acceptable census is as old as Nigeria herself. However, the advent of digital technologies presents a transformative opportunity to break free from these historical constraints and usher in a new era of accurate, transparent, and efficient data collection. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and his “renewed hope” agenda, embracing a digital census is not just an administrative necessity but a strategic imperative for charting a sustainable path to development, enhancing democratic processes, and solidifying a legacy of progress.
The historical context of census-taking in Nigeria is crucial to understanding the current imperative for digital transformation. Past censuses have been heavily politicized, with figures often manipulated to gain political advantage and a larger share of national resources. The 1962 and 1963 counts, for example, were highly contentious and led to disputes that deepened existing ethnic fault lines. Subsequent attempts, such as the 1973 and 1991 exercises, faced their own set of challenges, including logistical nightmares, funding shortages, and lingering distrust. The 2006 census, while considered more credible, still faced criticisms regarding accuracy and coverage. These historical challenges underscore the urgent need for a paradigm shift, one that leverages technology to ensure transparency, accuracy, and reliability.
In the current political landscape, a credible digital census is not merely desirable but essential. First, it can help depoliticize the process. By utilizing digital tools, data collection and analysis can be made more transparent, less susceptible to manipulation, and provide real-time data, reducing human error and enhancing the overall integrity of the census. This transparency is vital for building trust among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups, who have historically been wary of census results. Second, a digital census can provide the Tinubu government with the accurate and timely data needed for effective policy formulation and implementation. Whether it is healthcare, education, infrastructure, or social welfare programs, reliable demographic data is the cornerstone for targeted interventions. For instance, knowing the precise population distribution can help in planning the construction of schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure where they are most needed. It can also inform decisions about resource allocation, ensuring that funds are directed to areas with the greatest needs, thereby promoting equitable development.
Furthermore, a digital census can significantly impact economic growth. Accurate data on the labor force, age distribution, urbanization patterns, and other key indicators can help attract foreign investment and guide private sector development. For attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) Investors need to know the market size, the skills available, and the demographic trends to make informed decisions.
A digital census can provide this critical information, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for investment. Additionally, it can help in identifying areas with high unemployment and inform the design of targeted job creation programs. For Tinubu’s government, which has prioritized economic revitalization, a digital census is a critical tool for achieving its goals. By providing a clear and comprehensive picture of the nation’s economic landscape, it can help in crafting policies that promote inclusive growth, reduce poverty, and enhance overall economic stability.
The success stories of digital census initiatives around the world offer invaluable lessons for Nigeria. In Asia, Pakistan, the National Database registration Authority (NADRA) successfully delivered their first fully digital census with biometric identification system replacing the traditional paper-based systems with real -time data synchronization and secure cloud-based storage.
This has been instrumental in streamlining service delivery, reducing corruption, and improving governance. This massive digital identification program has not only facilitated the delivery of social benefits but also provided a robust framework for data collection and analysis. In Latin America, Brazil’s experience with electronic voting and data management linking its digital census result clearly demonstrates how technology can be used to enhance transparency and efficiency in large-scale governance processes.
The country’s sophisticated electronic voting system has significantly reduced electoral fraud and improved the speed and accuracy of election results. In Africa, countries like Kenya and Rwanda have made significant strides in leveraging technology for data collection and analysis. Kenya’s Huduma Namba initiative, a digital identity system, aims to improve service delivery and enhance governance.
Rwanda’s use of technology in its census and other data collection efforts has led to more accurate and timely data, which has informed effective policy decisions. These examples show that with the right strategy, investment, and political will, Nigeria can overcome its historical challenges and conduct a successful digital census. The Tinubu-led administration must therefore be decisive of this target clearly demonstrating the nexus that links Development Planning, Sustainability, Democratic Integrity and Economic growth.
A critical aspect of Nigeria’s digital census success will be the collaboration between the National Population Commission (NPC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The NIMC’s existing National Identity Number (NIN) database can serve as a foundational element for the digital census. By integrating the NIN system with the census data collection process, Nigeria can enhance accuracy, reduce duplication, and ensure comprehensive coverage. This collaboration can also help in streamlining the registration process and reducing costs. Leveraging the NIN system for census purposes will not only improve the quality of the data but also further populate and also strengthen the national identity system itself. This synergy between the NPC and NIMC is essential for the success of the digital census and the broader national development agenda.
Moreover, the successful implementation of a digital census has significant implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes, particularly the upcoming elections. Accurate and reliable demographic data is crucial for ensuring fair and credible elections. It helps in voter registration, constituency delimitation, and resource allocation to electoral bodies.
By leveraging digital technology, Nigeria can enhance the integrity of its electoral process, reduce the risk of manipulation, and build public trust in the democratic system. A successful digital census will not only provide a reliable population count but also lay the groundwork for a more transparent and accountable electoral process.
However, the transition to a digital census is not without its challenges. Infrastructure limitations, particularly in rural areas with poor internet connectivity, pose a significant hurdle. Digital literacy levels also vary widely across the country, and training census enumerators and the public on using digital tools is essential.
Moreover, data security and privacy concerns must be addressed to build public trust. Ensuring that personal data is protected and used responsibly is crucial for the success of the digital census. The government must invest in robust data protection measures, engage in public awareness campaigns to allay fears about data breaches and misuse, and ensure that all data collection and storage practices comply with international standards.
For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the successful implementation of this digital census is more than a milestone; it is a transformative opportunity that holds the key to the nation’s future. This initiative transcends numbers and statistics—it’s about harnessing technology to overcome historical hurdles, eliminate political biases, and produce reliable data crucial for shaping effective policies. it will be a testament to this administration’s commitment to genuine progress, transparency and accountable governance.
It will be referenced as a key success story, demonstrating the government’s ability to leverage technology for national development and democratic consolidation. This achievement will not only enhance the government’s credibility but also provide a solid foundation for future planning and policy making.
In conclusion, the nation eagerly awaits President Tinubu’s delivery of Nigeria’s first digital census—a groundbreaking step that promises to empower every citizen and forge a brighter tomorrow. This is a pivotal moment for democracy and development. Let us seize this opportunity to build the Nigeria we envision—one that is prepared to embrace the future with “renewed hope”, confidence, and purpose
Adeyanju Binuyo (adeyanju@teranpico.com), a techpreneur, strategist and sustainable development expert writes in from Abuja
