Just maybe the periodic dispute on Nigeria’s census figures may finally come to an end. The recent announcement by the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) that a digital population census in May 2022 is in the cards may do the trick. The Organization for Impact and Reform (OFIAR) lauds the Commission for this proposal and looks forward to the actualization of a digital census.
The NPC stated that it is ready to conduct a digital census as early as 2022 citing ”We have the map data in our system, androids which unlike the analogue era will make it very easy for a reliable and credible census.” Already, the Commission claims that it has completed a successful pretest exercise.
OFIAR notes the importance of an accurate census in ensuring precise and better services to the population. Although, the digital mapping may lead to an accurate count, there is far more to a census, including collection of other critical data that define the demographics in clearer terms to help direct services. For instance, locating accurately the labor market and number of school age children.
Previous post-independence Nigerian census counts took place in 1962, 1973, and 1991. Each of them led to subsequent disputes that were largely focused on political calculations. Thus, the party in power in disputed areas was accused of using the count to inflate figures with an eye on future electoral votes. These accusations may be stymied by a digital count if such counts are open and considered independent. Recent improvements in several areas that affect electioneering have led to increasing faith in the electoral process. Confidence in Voting appears to have improved after the introduction of electronic voting and decentralized result announcements. Those have reduced incidences of ballot stuffing/theft and centralized doctoring of votes.