The National Population Commission said on Friday that the population census would take place in the first quarter of 2022, once it completes its process of demarcation and administration of questionnaires.
During a press conference on the start of fieldwork for the second pre-test for the population and housing census, the Federal Commissioner of the APN in the state of Imo, Professor Uba Nnabue, said that the exercise is subject to the approval of the president.
Nnabue said that in accordance with the Commission’s mandate, the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) activity has concluded with 27 LGAs successfully demarcated from the pilot phase to the completion of the EAD exercise of phase 17, N g.
Former Dean of Imo State University Law School, IMSU, said: “The pre-census test exercise is usually done before completing the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise. As you may know, we had previously conducted the first preliminary census test at Ideato South, Oru East and Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA (s) in Imo State. ”
He emphasized that the field work and data collection for the 2nd Pre-test that has started in the 4 LGA (s) selected in the state of Imo, will be carried out by 4 teams (one team per LGA) in Isu, Nwangele, Ehime Mbano. and Mbaitoli LGA (S).
He said: “The pretesting exercise is a critical part of the census preparation process that provides the opportunity to test all aspects of the census program and instruments prior to the main census, thus ensuring the smooth running and success of the exercise. ”
“This, in essence, constitutes the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) which is one of the central preparatory activities for the exercise of the census. The purpose of the pre-test is to test the census methodology, questionnaires and data collection methods, manuals for field personnel, instruction manuals, data editing and coding, processing and tabulation. of data in preparation for the actual census ”
“In this pre-test exercise, some Enumeration Areas (EA) selected in 4 LGAs in all the States of the Federation and FCT demarcated between 2014 (pilot phase) and 2021 (final phase) of the EAD will be involved. A total of 148 LGAs will participate in the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT and the census instruments will be deployed in these areas to test their suitability and preparation for the actual census ”.
The head of the APN said that by making this commitment, the Commission is aware of the important role of pretest in the process of authentication and updating of Enumeration Areas (EAD) in preparation for the next census.
“We would like to note that the preliminary test is not the actual census, but the mirror through which we look at our preparation for the next census. All efforts should be geared towards making it a great success for everyone.
The APN Federal Commissioner said that conducting the pre-test is part of the Commission’s preparation to lay a good foundation for the next population and housing census that will be credible, reliable and acceptable to the country and other stakeholders.
The Commission assured everyone that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that field officers are properly equipped and trained to observe all COVID-19 protocols throughout the pre-testing exercise as prescribed by the Presidential Steering Committee ( PSC). We kindly ask members of the public to observe all protocols as well.
Imo: NPC will conduct a census in the first quarter of 2022 – Commissioner