Kwarra assures Nigerians of credible, reliable population census

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Mr Nasir Isa Kwarra has assured Nigerians of a credible, reliable and acceptable population census.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo at the flag off of the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), and official commissioning of the remodelled and reconstructed Akwa Ibom State NPC office building, Kwarra said it will leave no stone unturned in providing the necessary facilities for a comfortable work environment for its personnel.

The Chairman represented by the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Benedict Ukpong, stated that the remodelled building was in steady preparation for the next population and housing census.

He applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the financial and moral support that made the inauguration possible, saying that staff welfare will be his priority under his leadership.

He mentioned that the commission’s greatest assets are its staff, described the staff of the Akwa Ibom State NPC office as hardworking, and commended them for their steadfastness, resilience and sustained efforts over the years.

“As you are aware, the Commission is still carrying out the preparation for the next census. It is in this regard, that we will leave no stone unturned to make sure that all corresponding facilities including habitable and good working environments are delivered to ensure the constitutional mandate of the Commission is fulfilled which is the effective delivery of the next Population and Housing Census, which will be credible, reliable and acceptable.

“The remodelled and reconstructed office building we are officially commissioning today will serve as the administrative hub for the effective functioning of the Akwa Ibom State NPC office where vital meetings and critical decisions that concern the growth and progress of the Commission will be made,” he stated.

While speaking, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State, Chief Benedict Ukpong, said one of the objectives of 2023-24 NDHS is to gather high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health, contraceptive use, childhood mortality, gender-related issues, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and more.

Ukpong who the State Director represented at the occasion, explained that the survey will provide data supporting evaluation needs of maternal and child health and family planning programs, enabling evidence-based planning and resource allocation.

“For over three decades, the National Population Commission, in collaboration with key partners, has diligently implemented the NDHS, consistently raising the bar for demographic and health data collection in Nigeria.

“Today, as we launch this survey at the state level, we reiterate our commitment to upholding the same high standards of excellence and precision that have defined the NDHS over the years,” he stated.

Also speaking, the Hon. Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Reorientation, Mr Amanam Okon Nkanga represented by Mr Solomon Johnson, Director of Administration of the Bureau, State Director of NPC, Mr Emmanuel Edem, commended NPC for the remodelled and reconstructed building offices.

He said it is an indication that NPC is working and prepared for an accurate census and assured that the Bureau will harmoniously work with the commission in demographic and population matters.

On her part, the NDHS State Coordinator, Mrs Helen Amakwe said the flag-off of the exercise in Akwa Ibom is after a month-one training of the team in Akwanga, Nassarawa State and a zonal flag-off in Port Harcourt.

Amakwe stated that the exercise which is conducted every five years is the eighth in the series in Nigeria, adding that NDHS is a semi-census programme carried out in the 36 states of the Federation including FCT.

She explained that the survey will cover 25 local government areas in Akwa Ibom involving 39 clusters and 14, 000 households, and would particularly focus on health issues of women and children.

She stated that the Akwa Ibom NDHS team is made up of 10 persons including herself, three female interviewers, two male interviewers, two biomarkers, a team leader, and CAPI supervisor, as well as two drivers.

She noted that the survey is taking place in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, and USAID and ICF as its technical assistants.