In a world increasingly defined by data, numbers are no longer just figures on paper — they shape policy, fuel development, and decide the fate of nations. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a compelling case for one of Nigeria’s most critical but long-overdue tasks: accurately knowing the nation’s population.
At a recent national forum on planning and economic development, Tinubu didn’t mince words. “We must know our population,” he declared. It wasn’t just a call for a headcount — it was a challenge to rethink how Nigeria governs itself in the 21st century.
The Power of Numbers
With a country as vast and diverse as Nigeria, data isn’t just important — it’s essential. Yet for decades, the nation has struggled to pin down reliable population figures. Estimates have ranged from 180 to over 220 million, creating uncertainty in planning, budgeting, and implementation of public services.
How do you provide healthcare if you don’t know how many children are born each year? How do you build infrastructure without knowing where the population is booming? Tinubu’s message was clear: if Nigeria wants to develop sustainably, it must first count itself.
More Than Just a Census
Tinubu’s push isn’t about repeating the motions of past censuses. It’s about building a foundation for smart governance. From security to education, transportation to urban planning, accurate demographic data is the bedrock of every modern state.
“We can’t fly blind anymore,” he said. “A nation that does not know how many it feeds cannot claim to be fighting poverty.”
His remarks reflect a growing recognition that governance without data is like navigating without a map — and in a rapidly changing world, that’s no longer acceptable.
Rebuilding Trust in National Data
One of the major obstacles facing national censuses in Nigeria has been public skepticism. Past efforts were plagued by political interference, underfunding, and regional biases. Tinubu acknowledged these concerns and stressed the need for transparency and inclusivity in future population exercises.
He proposed leveraging technology to improve accuracy, prevent manipulation, and ensure nationwide participation. “Digital tools can help us count not just heads, but lives — and their needs,” he emphasized.
A Wake-Up Call for Policymakers
Tinubu’s remarks also serve as a wake-up call to ministries, development agencies, and local governments. Planning based on assumptions rather than actual data is a recipe for inefficiency. By knowing who lives where, and in what condition, the government can deliver more targeted and impactful solutions.
From youth employment to maternal health, everything begins with knowing the scope of the challenge.
Beyond Politics, Toward Progress
President Tinubu’s call may seem like a simple statement, but it touches on a deeper issue: the need to professionalize Nigeria’s approach to governance. It’s a reminder that modern leadership is not just about charisma or political maneuvering, but about embracing tools — like accurate data — that deliver real results.
In a nation brimming with potential, knowing the population isn’t just a statistic. It’s a starting point for transformation.
