Senate calls for Population Census for 2018.

The Senate yesterday at plenary calls on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to issue a proclamation for the holding of a population census in 2018.

In a motion sponsored by Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi from Kaduna North and 4 others, on A Call for the Federal Government to Expedite Action on the planned 218 National Census, the Senate notes that section 24 of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution as amended empowers the National Population Commission to undertake the production of demographic, socio economic and health data through the conduct of census surveys, vital statistics and other related activities in Nigeria.

The Senate is also aware that the last population census was conducted in 2006, precisely 10 years ago, hence the need to conduct another census in tune with the United Nation Organization.

The Senate accordingly calls on the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the National Population Commission, Ministry for Budget and National Planning and any other supervising agencies to make adequate provision in the 2018 budget as a critical prerequisite to achieving 2017/2018 population census.

Also yesterday the Senate considers the request of Mr. President on the confirmation of nomination of the appointment as Commissioners for the National Population Commission and Independent National Electoral Commission.

Nominated as Commissioners for the National Population Commission are Eng. Benedict Ukpong, Gloria Fateya Izonfuo, Barrister Kupchi Patricia Ori Iyanya, Dr. Haliru Bala and Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji.

Nominated as Commissioners for INEC are Prof. Okechukwu Obinna Ibeanu, May I. Agbamuche-Mbu, AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’Azu, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Dr. Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola and AbubakarAhmed Nahuche.

The Senate also yesterday confirmed the appointments of Hon Justice Ejemba Eko JCA and Hon. Justice Amina A. Angie, JCA as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Charles Akpan
Head, Press and Public Relations