Nigeria’s next national census is poised to leap into the digital age, with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) pledging space-based technologies and geospatial intelligence to ensure unprecedented accuracy and credibility in the population enumeration exercise.
Dr Matthew Adepoju, Director General of NASRDA, says the space agency is prepared to deliver critical technical support that will elevate Nigeria’s census to international standards of precision and data integrity. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Chairman and senior management of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja, Adepoju describes NASRDA’s role as “foundational, not peripheral.”
“For the first time in our census history, we are on track to achieve 98% accuracy,” the NASRDA chief says, attributing this landmark projection to the integration of geospatial technologies championed by the NPC.
Census: Nigeria on track to achieve 98% accuracy, NASRDA says
“For the first time in our census history, we are on track to achieve 98% accuracy,” the NASRDA chief says, attributing this landmark projection to the integration of geospatial technologies championed by the NPC.
Adepoju recalls NASRDA’s involvement in the 2006 census when satellite imagery was first deployed to identify settlements across the country. This time, however, he says the Nigerian space agency is leveraging more advanced capabilities to precisely identify individual buildings — a major upgrade from past methodologies.
“Our strength lies not only in our satellite infrastructure but also in our human capital,” he adds, revealing that NASRDA has trained field personnel equipped with both technical and ethical competencies in data collection. These specialists are expected to serve as ad hoc officers during the exercise, helping to bolster accuracy and credibility on the ground.
Adepoju recalls NASRDA’s involvement in the 2006 census when satellite imagery was first deployed to identify settlements across the country. This time, however, he says the Nigerian space agency is leveraging more advanced capabilities to precisely identify individual buildings — a major upgrade from past methodologies.
Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of the National Population Commission, welcomes the collaboration, expressing gratitude for NASRDA’s long-standing support. He notes that census data is essential for national planning, economic forecasting, and policy formulation.
“The role of NASRDA in providing advanced delineation and mapping technologies cannot be overemphasised,” Kwarra says, adding that a presidential committee is currently reviewing the census methodology and budget. Once the review is completed and approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he says that an official date will be announced — and NASRDA will be formally engaged.
The NPC Chairman also affirms that NASRDA personnel will be fully deployed across the country, citing their specialised training in geospatial applications as a major advantage.
Both agencies agree that the success of the census will be a shared achievement, with national development as the ultimate beneficiary.
Author
Technology Times Reporter
oladapo.rilwan@technologytimes.ng
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