By David Torough, Abuja

A coalition comprising numerous Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across the six geo- political zones of the country has commended the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) on the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census exercise at the earliest convenience of the President.

The coalition under the umbrella of Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHSCN) in a joint communique in Abuja at the weekend noted that Civil Society Organizations  across the six geo political zones in the country have carried out a comprehensive assessment of the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census and indeed, from the interactions, engagements, surveys and evidence before our joint committees as collated from all the six geo political zones in the country, the Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra led management of the Commission is fully charged and ready to deliver a world standard census exercise once President makes the proclamation.

 National coordinator of the coalition Dr Richard Oduma specifically appreciated the Commission for digitalizing the entire census project in line with international best practices and to enhance the overall credibility of the census exercise” this feat by the Commission is unprecedented and must be encouraged by all stakeholders so as to give the Commission the necessary morale boost needed to deliver on the mandate.

“Above all, it is important to reiterate that the success of any census exercise largely depends on the continued advocacy and information available to the public hence the need for sustained conversation on this very important exercise.” As patriots we owe the Commission a duty to maintain advocacy in our various spheres of influence no matter the sacrifices.  “Because it is in the best interest of the people to be informed of the advantages of the census exercise so as to key into it as expected”

‘Indeed, the significant investment of resources by the federal government and donor agencies to assist the Commission in the, acquisition and development of massive technological infrastructure and hardware in preparation for the census exercise as well as the elaborate recruitment and training of manpower to compliment the highly modernized process is sincerely worth the wait and in the best interest of the country. “Our country for the first time is equipped with the necessary technological tools as well as the manpower needed to conduct a credible Census exercise that would be acceptable to both the local and international community ” This is a feat that is worthy of our collective public commendation. “Our charge to the Commission is to remain focused on the objective to deliver the first digital census in our history”

“The Commission has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the success of the census exercise by the systems and structures put in place ahead of the exercise, for us, this is the major take home and hence our appeal for continued advocacy “

The coalition also noted that the Commission under the current leadership has remained committed and ready to deliver when called upon by the president. ” Regardless of the limited resources available, the Commission has continued  to engage and rebrand her personnel preparatory to the much awaited  exercise ”  Overall, from our assessment,  the government is going to be the greatest beneficiary as only a credible Census will provide the needed statistics for planning, research and development of the people.

“Furthermore, we commend the frugality and accountability in the management of budgeted  resources that has become a culture in the Commission’s policies over the years” The open governance policy of Mr President has resonated strongly with the Commission activities which has given us access to critical information that has boosted our confidence in the Commission  ” The Civil Society Organizations have therefore come together to commend the Commission’s leadership and to show solidarity and support to ensure that Nigerians get a credible Census whenever the opportunity presents itself. “

The coalition further expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the people and the country further emphasizes the need for a credible Census in the shortest possible time “We hope the President is working in this direction, ” the statement added.

The coalition called on the Commission to join hands with Civil Society Organizations, faith based organizations and students groups to sustain the much needed advocacy ahead of the census exercise. “While the Commission is empowered by law to conduct periodic census, it is clear that the active awareness and participation of the citizenry in the exercise is what will make the objective realistic and we urge all stakeholders to volunteer on the advocacy needed for this noble exercise in the overall interest of development.

The Coalition, while leading the charge on collective and sustained advocacy by stakeholders, maintained that the gesture was a vote of confidence on the Commission and her leadership demonstrating the organic endorsement of the census exercise by citizens.