The Role of Census in the Socioeconomic Development of Nigeria

Abstract

Since Nigeria attained political independence in 1960, all efforts at conducting population census have met with serious problems. Consequently, planning for socio-economic development of the nation has been adversely affected by the inadequacy, obsolesce and unreliability of available demographic data. Past national development plans have failed partly because of lack of demographic data for planning. Hence, there is the need for an accurate, reliable and acceptable population census for the country. This concern has become of even greater significance in the face of the dynamism of modern day socioeconomic planning both at the macro and micro levels. Thus, this paper assessed the conduct ofpast population censuses in the country, identified the challenges of conducting an acceptable reliable census in the country and proffered solutions for the challenges. The aim is to x-ray the importance ofpopulation census on national development and as a clarion call on Nigerian government for a successful census that will generate acceptable demographic data for planning to ensure even development of every sector of the country. The paper relied on secondary, primary data and content analysis of the data so provided.

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