Today, 3rd March 2025, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, FNSA, warmly welcomed the reappointment of Dr. Collins Opiyo as the Chief Technical Adviser (CTA) for Nigeria's upcoming Population and Housing Census, expressing optimism that his return will significantly enhance the Commission's preparations for the country's first biometric census.
Hon. Kwarra made this statement during a meeting with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA Nigeria) officials, led by Deputy Country Representative Koessan Kuawu, at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja. The purpose of the meeting was to formally introduce Dr. Opiyo in his new role.
In his remarks, Hon. Kwarra highlighted that Dr. Opiyo's reappointment presents a vital opportunity to complete the initiatives he began in December 2021 during his initial tenure as CTA. He noted that Dr. Opiyo played a crucial role in developing and implementing the Census Strategy Document, which laid a solid foundation for a transformative census before it was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in April 2023.
Hon. Kwarra also emphasized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to conducting the census, revealing that the President has directed the establishment of a committee to align the census budget with the government's current financial realities.
"We want the census to be conducted this year," he stated, expressing confidence that the President will issue a proclamation for the census soon.
UNFPA Nigeria's Deputy Representative, Koessan Kuawu, commended Hon. Kwarra for his advocacy efforts that led President Tinubu to prioritize the upcoming census. He assured the NPC of UNFPA's unwavering support to ensure the successful execution of the census.
Dr. Collins Opiyo, upon his reappointment, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to complete the work he had started. "I am back home. I never left. I was brought back to finish the assignment I was earlier sent to do," he remarked.
He acknowledged President Tinubu's recent commitment to conducting the census and noted that the UNFPA has been awaiting a clear declaration from the government regarding its intentions.
Dr. Opiyo stressed that Nigeria now has a unique opportunity to be among the first countries to conduct a census under the 2030 round of censuses, positioning it as a reference point for other nations.
NPC Federal Commissioners present at the meeting praised Dr. Opiyo's reappointment, describing him as a seasoned professional capable of guiding the Commission in conducting the next census effectively.
Dr. Collins Opiyo was initially appointed as the Chief Technical Adviser for Nigeria's Population and Housing Census in December 2021 and exited in March 2024 following the census postponement. His reappointment is part of UNFPA technical support for Nigeria's upcoming census.
The meeting was attended by Federal Commissioners representing Adamawa, Anambra, and Taraba States, as well as various Directors of the Commission and the Census Manager.
