Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, hosted the Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State at the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. (Mrs.) Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, at the Council Secretariat’s conference room, in a strategic move to support Nigeria’s forthcoming national census.
The visit by the NPC delegation marks a significant step toward ensuring grassroots support and awareness for the reformed census exercise, which is anticipated to either take place later this year or early next year.
The Commissioner started by commending the Chairman for providing a departmental office for the Commission within the Council Secretariat.
Hon. Sadiat Oladunjoye, in her remarks, emphasized the necessity of conducting a census in Lagos and across Nigeria.
“Our work at the National Population Commission is primarily about data gathering. We had an audience with Mr. President, and he gave his assurance that the census must hold,” she said.
The Commissioner disclosed that a technical committee has already been constituted to commence preliminary activities.
“Knowing the strategic importance of local governments, especially Ikorodu, we deemed it vital to seek your support ahead of the exercise,” she stated.
Highlighting the planning challenges due to the absence of reliable demographic data, Oladunjoye reflected on her tenure as Commissioner for Education.
“It was difficult to plan effectively. We would budget for 100 chairs at the start of the year and later realize 200 were needed due to population discrepancies,” she lamented.
She further stressed that Lagos requires accurate data to plan effectively for sectors like education, healthcare, housing, and security.
“Even those living under bridges will be counted. We need to know how many men, women, youths, and children live here,” she said.
Chairman Wasiu Adesina, in his remarks, pledged full cooperation and support from the local government.
“Ikorodu is ready. Whatever is required to make the census a success, we will provide. Data gathering is essential, especially for an area like ours that is witnessing a high rate of migration due to affordable living,” he affirmed.
He noted that the population growth in Ikorodu has led to pressure on the health system, infrastructure, and other public services, making it imperative that the census reflects the true population dynamics of the area.
“We believe population should be reviewed every four years. We trust in your leadership, Hon. Commissioner, and we’re confident you will deliver,”
“Any template we establish to support the census exercise will be a valuable asset for the next administration to build upon,” Adesina noted, acknowledging that his tenure would conclude before the fourth quarter of 2025.
State Director of the National Population Commission, Mr. Bamidele Sadiku Amida offered insights into the census methodology, stating that the process will now be digitally driven.
“We’ve moved from manual, paper-based methods to digital systems using optimal mark readers and biometrics,” he explained.
He added that the census would be household-based and geographically mapped.
Questions will focus on fertility, mortality, migration, and age demographics, particularly tracking the number of individuals entering voting age annually.
“Buildings will be included or removed from the census map only with government approval. Councillors will also play key roles in their respective wards,” he noted.
Hon. Oladunjoye concluded by noting that the census will aid in alleviating pressure on Lagos infrastructure and that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the use of biometrics for accuracy and credibility.
Among dignitaries present at the session were Council Manager Mr. Johnson Adekunle, Alhaji Lateef Afini (Secretary of the Local Government), the Legal Officer, Council Engineer, various Heads of Departments (HODs), and Mrs. Caroline Ochokwu, Controller General of the National Population Commission, Ikorodu Axis.
The meeting ended on a note of shared commitment, with both the Commission and the Council aligning towards the successful execution of what is expected to be Nigeria’s most technologically advanced census yet.
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