posted 16th April 2025
Tinubu's Census Committee Sparks Regional Controversy
Lagos, 16 April 2025 – President Bola Tinubu inaugurated a high-level committee on Wednesday to oversee preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming national population and housing census, a move that has ignited debate over regional representation. The committee, chaired by key figures from Tinubu’s administration, is tasked with ensuring the census delivers accurate and comprehensive data to guide national planning.
The committee comprises eight members: Atiku Bagudu (North West), Nasir Kwarra (North Central), Mohammed Idris (North West), Wale Edun (South West), Zacch Adedeji (South West), Peter Odusote (South West), Saheed Okunola (South West), and Bisi Oyinade (South West). Notably, five of the eight members hail from the South West, Tinubu’s ethnic zone, while two represent the North West and one the North Central. The absence of representatives from the South East, North East, and South-South has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from advocates for the Igbo people, who argue that the South East continues to be marginalised under Tinubu’s regime.
“This composition raises serious questions about inclusivity,” said Chidi Okeke, a political analyst based in Abuja. “The census is a national exercise, yet entire regions are excluded from its planning. The South East, in particular, has been consistently sidelined, which fuels perceptions of bias.”
Critics argue that the heavy South West representation undermines the census’s credibility before it even begins. “A balanced committee would inspire confidence across Nigeria’s diverse regions,” Okeke added. “This lopsided approach risks deepening mistrust.”
The national population and housing census, expected to be a cornerstone of Tinubu’s data-driven governance agenda, is seen as critical for addressing Nigeria’s planning and resource allocation challenges. The last census, conducted in 2006, recorded a population of 140 million, but estimates now place Nigeria’s population at over 220 million. An accurate count is essential for shaping policies on infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
As preparations move forward, the Tinubu administration faces mounting pressure to address concerns over regional equity and ensure the census process is transparent and inclusive. With no official date yet announced for the census, all eyes will be on how the committee navigates these early controversies.
