By Tina George, Minna
As the next nationwide population and housing census draws near, the National Populations Commission (NPC), says it would deploy use of biometric on Nigerians and houses.
According to the Commission, the census would capture facial impressions and fingerprints of person during the census while satellite imagery would be used to ensure that no land is overlooked during the census.
The Niger state NPC Director, Uthman Baba disclosed this during the review training for demarcators, supervisors and other functionaries for the continuation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) for the next population and housing census in Lapai local government area of the state.
According to Uthman, the next census would involve the use of personal digital assistance to capture spatial data and estimate population, adding that this approach will help in eliminating human errors and prevent manipulation.
“The methodology for the census is designed to achieve full Geographic Information System (GIS) compliance, using high-resolution satellite imageries. Any hope of gaining advantage through manipulation of EAD will at best be an illusion that cannot be realized as only persons physically seen will be counted and their biometrics captured.”
He explained that the enumeration area demarcation is to help divide the country into smaller geographical units, which will facilitate human enumeration during the actual census exercise.
He added that the EAD exercise or its outcome will not determine the actual population of any given locality, local government area of state.
Uthman stated that 95 local government areas across the country had been selected for the continuation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD), including three local government areas in Niger state.
He stated that at the end of this phase, the Commission would have successfully demarcated 11 local government areas in the state.
According to him, the remaining 14 local government areas will be covered under subsequent phases, before the next census exercise.
Uthman further said that over 120 highly trained and skilled functionaries in the state would be involved in the demarcation of Lapai, Gurara and Paikoro local government areas of the state.
He stressed on the need for cooperation, dedication, commitment and discipline in ensuring that the exercise goes on smoothly.
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Matane urged the people in the localities where the enumeration would be taking place to be proactive, accommodative and transparent to the functionaries.
“This exercise will lay the foundation for the census in the future. I appeal to the people in the localities, to be honest, and not be manipulative to any of the functionaries. This is for the interest of the people.”
Matane, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Economic Affairs, Baba Wachiko assured the Commission of the state government support towards the enumeration exercise.
A member of the Lapai Census Committee, Mohammed Isah lauded the continuation of the enumeration area demarcation saying that it would enable a lot of localities to be captured.
He explained that the 2006 census did not reveal any result for localities adding that this time around, they are assured that localities would be captured during the census.
The Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago Tafida also assured NPC of the Emirate’s willingness to cooperate with the staff for the success of the exercise.
