Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged the newly appointed commissioners of the National Population Commission to ensure that the next census accurately reflects the nation's population.
He emphasized that having accurate data on the nation's population is crucial for economic planning and the development of infrastructure across the country.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, also expressed concern about the ongoing use of different population figures and stressed the need for a change in this narrative.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu delivered this message at the inaugural dinner for the federal commissioner representing Abia State at the NPC Board, Emmanuel Eke, in Abuja on Saturday.
Eke was among the 17 appointees inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Kalu stated, 'We are uncertain about our population in Nigeria. We cannot continue to claim that we are the giant of Africa when we do not possess an accurate statistic of our actual population as a nation. This is embarrassing! Every time we are asked about our population, we respond with an approximate number… When will we move away from these approximations and provide an exact figure?'
'You all need to make it precise. When we inquire about Ogun State, we expect to be given the number. The same goes for Abia. We need the total numbers for the South East, South West, North West, South South, etc., so that we can effectively plan. Economic planning without accurate knowledge of the population is a waste of time. When you plan for a few, the infrastructure will be overused by the part of the population you did not account for.'
'The foundation of our economic planning lies in understanding our population and demographics, so that when we allocate projects, the distribution can be informed by the population. Conducting a census is a service that you have to provide for this nation.'
'Put in significant effort and ensure that when the results are released, Nigerians will be pleased to say yes, we are 250 million. However, I can assure you that by the time you are finished, we might be 300 million because we anticipate becoming the fourth most populous nation in the coming years, and every nation in the world is looking to Nigeria for investment because they recognize the market potential here.'
Kalu also praised Tinubu for leading an all-encompassing government, especially with regards to the appointment of Igbo people to prominent positions despite receiving a low number of votes from the region in the 2023 presidential election.
He also expressed appreciation for the Igbo community for not participating in the recent protest against the current administration due to economic hardship.
Kalu, the deputy speaker, clarified that the hardship was not mainly caused by Tinubu's government and revealed that the administration is making efforts to find solutions to address the challenges.
Kalu also emphasized that the support of the Igbo community will motivate Tinubu to approve the South East Development Commission bill, which he sponsored for the revitalization and rebuilding of the region, and he added that the President and his team are deliberate about ensuring that the South East feels included.
“This President has shown us affection even though we didn't vote for him as we should have. He has shown us great affection, and it’s time for us to reciprocate by supporting the government in both words and actions.
“The President appointed the Chief of Naval Staff, an Igbo man from Enugu. He appointed the Minister of Works from Ebonyi. The President visited Abia and appointed the 6th citizen of the country.
“The President appointed the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum from Imo State. The President gave many Ministers from the South East the opportunity to lead some ministries like Science and Technology and others. The way to repay him is to support him and ensure that we help to stabilize national loyalty and increase national unity.
“We are working hard to ensure that most of you are strategically positioned. We are working hard to support businesses owned by you. What the Igbos couldn't access before, we are now striving for you to access, using this office (Office of the Deputy Speaker). So, let’s be patient”, Kalu added.
