After nearly two decades of relying on population estimates, Nigeria is poised for a paradigm shift with the Senate’s push for a biometric census in 2025. This landmark initiative aims to end years of planning with inaccurate data, setting the stage for Africa’s largest economy to embrace data-driven governance.

The urgency for this census stems from the critical role demographic data plays in shaping economic policies, resource allocation, and national development.
Senator Abdul Ningi captured the sentiment during a budget defense session with the National Population Commission (NPC), calling the reliance on foreign-sourced estimates “a national disgrace.” His sentiments were echoed by other lawmakers, including Senator Diket Plang, who stressed the need to align governance with reliable statistics.

At the heart of the proposed census is technology. NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra assured the Senate of a fraud-proof biometric system, noting its capacity to provide precise data on the population. “This technology ensures we count humans, not fishes or livestock,” he quipped, signaling a departure from past controversies around census credibility.

The biometric approach is expected to address Nigeria’s long-standing challenges with undercounting, fraud, and inflated figures tied to political and ethnic interests.
By linking individuals to unique identifiers, the process promises a transparent and verifiable headcount.

Beyond accuracy, the ₦18.2 billion proposed budget for the census reflects the commitment to innovative solutions, with substantial allocations for capital projects to support the biometric systems. Lawmakers not only approved the budget but emphasized the urgency of delivering on this promise to avoid further delays.

A reliable census is more than just numbers; it is the foundation of national growth. Accurate data will enable the government to address inequalities in resource distribution, develop targeted social programs, and foster private sector confidence.
As Nigeria grapples with complex challenges, from urbanization to security, the 2025 biometric census offers a critical opportunity to redefine governance.

As the countdown begins, the pressure is on the NPC to deliver a transparent and transformative census. With the support of the government, the initiative could set a precedent for other African nations, proving that technological innovation is key to tackling age-old challenges.
The 2025 census is not just about counting people—it is about empowering Nigeria with the data it needs to build a brighter future.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has delivered a sharp rebuke to sycophants within government, criticizing political appointees who prioritize personal gain over genuine service to the nation.
Speaking at an interactive session and retreat organized by the Senate Committee on Appropriation in Abuja, Akpabio urged government officials to embrace loyalty to Nigeria’s progress rather than to individual leaders.
The session, held as part of deliberations on the proposed ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget, provided a platform for the Senate President to address what he termed “a culture of opportunism” in governance.
“They plan their moves, align their turns, and grow their pockets—but not the nation. This is a grave disservice,” Akpabio remarked. He condemned officials who only show diligence in the presence of their appointors—whether presidents or governors—but neglect their responsibilities when unsupervised.
Akpabio contrasted these behaviors with the dedication of a minority of appointees who consistently perform their duties regardless of political or hierarchical pressure. “When an appointee works with the same passion in the absence of their leader, it reflects loyalty to the country, not just self-interest,” he noted.
The Senate President’s comments underscored a systemic issue in Nigeria’s political landscape, where sycophancy and self-serving politics hinder governance and development. Akpabio called for a cultural shift, urging appointees to serve with integrity and prioritize national interests above personal ambitions.
Akpabio also took aim at uninformed public criticism, particularly on social media, of critical legislative processes such as budget reviews and tax reforms. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to engage meaningfully with legislative processes, contributing ideas rather than spreading ill-informed opinions.

“This is the forum for constructive input,” he said, referring to the budget hearing. “Social media is not a replacement for understanding the intricacies of governance. Our task is formidable but achievable, and we must approach it with informed determination.”

He described the proposed 2025 Appropriation Bill as a “Portal of Restoration,” highlighting its significance as a tool to ignite prosperity, secure peace, and build a more resilient economy.
The public hearing on the 2025 budget brought together lawmakers, ministry officials, and representatives from civil society to align fiscal priorities with national goals. Akpabio’s strong remarks emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration in governance, advocating a collective effort to build a stronger and more united Nigeria.
“We are custodians of Nigeria’s destiny, and our responsibility is to rise above personal interests to shape a better future,” he declared.
The Senate President concluded by reaffirming the legislature’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive budget process aimed at sustainable growth, national unity, and economic resilience.

A tense and disruptive scene unfolded in the National Assembly on Thursday during the Nigeria Police’s 2025 budget defence session, as lawmakers clashed over procedural issues, culminating in a walkout by Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi of Ebonyi North.
The Joint Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the budget and funding requests for the police, was thrown into disarray as the dispute intensified.
The trouble started when Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun began outlining the police force’s budget, specifically regarding the planned construction of five zonal police headquarters. Representative Mark Esset of Akwa Ibom interrupted, pointing out that critical figures were missing from the budget document presented to committee members.
Senator Nwoebonyi, frustrated by the lack of proper documentation, demanded that the IGP provide all relevant details to the lawmakers. However, the Committee Chairman overruled his objection and allowed Egbetokun to continue with his presentation, sparking further tension.
In a dramatic move, Senator Nwoebonyi gathered his belongings and stormed out of the session, exchanging words with some House members who heckled him as he made his exit. His walkout left the session in turmoil, with other lawmakers expressing disappointment at the breakdown in order.
Following the disruption, Ranking Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi defended the committee’s handling of the situation, stressing that parliamentary rules should be followed and members must wait to be recognized before speaking.
Once the dust settled, IGP Egbetokun addressed the ongoing financial challenges facing the police force. He reiterated the need for the removal of the police from the “envelope” budgeting system to ensure more reliable and adequate funding. He also shared the good news that President Bola Tinubu had approved a major increase in the police’s annual recruitment quota, boosting it from 10,000 to 30,000.
“This increase in recruitment will go a long way in helping the police force to meet the growing demands of national security,” Egbetokun said. He emphasized that sufficient funding and personnel would be key to improving the force’s performance in the coming year.