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By Daniel Adaji
The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has pledged to support the upcoming national census with satellite technology and trained personnel to help ensure accuracy and credibility.
Director General of NASRDA, Matthew Adepoju made this known during a courtesy visit to the chairman and top management of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications at NASRDA, Dr Felix Ale, the DG said, “Our space-based technologies and geospatial intelligence are indispensable tools, essential for ensuring integrity and precision in contemporary population data collection.”
He noted that NASRDA’s role in the exercise goes beyond support. “NASRDA’s contributions are not peripheral but foundational to delivering a credible and data-driven population enumeration exercise,” he added.
The census, which will be Nigeria’s most technologically advanced, is projected to reach 98 per cent accuracy, the highest in the country’s history. Adepoju attributed this to improved preparations and the integration of modern geospatial technologies.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s census history, the country is on track to achieve ninety-eighth percent accuracy. This marks a significant evolution from past methodologies,” he said.
He recalled NASRDA’s involvement in the 2006 census, where satellite imagery was used to identify settlements. He also highlighted NASRDA’s human capital as a key strength.
“This time, advancements in geospatial science will allow for precise identification of individual buildings. NASRDA has trained field personnel with deep knowledge of space applications and on-ground data collection ethics, making them valuable assets as ad hoc officers for the census,” he said.
In response, NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra expressed appreciation for NASRDA’s continued partnership.
Kwarra stressed the constitutional mandate of the NPC and the need for reliable population data to inform national planning. He also recognized NASRDA’s critical role in providing geospatial data through advanced mapping technologies.
“We value the Agency’s longstanding collaboration with the Commission. A presidential committee is currently reviewing the census methodology and budget. Once the report is approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a census date will be announced, and NASRDA will be formally engaged to deploy its technical support,” he said.
He added that NASRDA personnel would be fully utilized across the country due to their training and expertise.
“The success of the census will be a shared achievement, with both NASRDA and the NPC receiving due recognition for their roles,” Kwarra stated.