The 2023 Population and Housing Census in Nigeria will deploy the use of the traditional census approach (Complete Enumeration)—soliciting information from each household in the country—in the 2020 round of censuses.The 2023 Population and Housing Census (PHC) is employing a variety of digital methods to enhance the census implementation. Some of these methods include online recruitment of trainers and field officers through a web-based Recruitment portal, utilization of learning management systems (LMS) for virtual training of Trainers and Data Quality Management Teams, automated google sheets for class assignments at trainers level, bulk payment of finances to trainees among others. Additionally, new census technology primarily involves the use of tablets and satellite imagery to accurately update buildings and also list the households within the geographical area, it also allows for the enumerators to collect information about all individuals in the census process.

Census Methodology

The Census Methodology comprises a complex operation of actively collecting information from individuals and households on a range of topics at a specified time, accompanied by the compilation, evaluation, analysis and dissemination of demographic, economic and social data pertaining to a country or a well-delimited part of the country. For Nigeria, a de facto enumeration is adopted whereby interviewers will be deployed to collect information from respondents physically and individually. Enumerators shall be assigned to different enumeration areas to cover all households and persons in the enumeration area (EA) during a specified period of time (five days)in order to meet the requirements of universality and simultaneity. The main Census Questionnaire (NPC 01) already embedded in the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) will be used to canvass for the person responses and NPC 07 form will be for Housing Characteristics. NPC 01 form usually contains detailed questions on a particular topic in addition to covering complex topics such as fertility. Both forms will be utilized during the same time frame.
This method of census taking has merit in providing a snapshot of the entire population at a specified period and data for small geographic domains. In that sense, the traditional census is perhaps unique in nature. This approach is particularly suitable for countries requiring population numbers by various social and economic characteristics simultaneously for all geographic levels to meet the needs of planning and the allocation of funds. This method of census taking have been singled out as the most elaborate, complex and costly data collection activity that national population commission undertake. This complex task requires full awareness and agreement of the public to participate in it.

Census Methodology

The 2023 Population and Housing Census (PHC) is employing a variety of digital methods to enhance the census implementation. Some of these methods include online recruitment of trainers and field officers through a web-based Recruitment portal, utilization of learning management systems (LMS) for virtual training of Trainers and Data Quality Management Teams, automated google sheets for class assignments at trainers level, bulk payment of finances to trainees among others.

The following Pre Census Activity have been concluded:

1. Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD)
2. First Pretest
3. Second Pretest
4. Trial Census

Also, the following stages of training have been undertaken:

1. Masters training (Virtual and physical)
2. National Training (Virtual and Physical contact)
3. Zonal Training (Physical)
4. State Training (Physical) and will soon conduct the last stage training for Field Supervisors and Enumerators at the LGA level

The Nigeria 2023 PHC otherwise referred to as Digital Census involves the use of tablets and satellite imagery to accurately update buildings during Building Numbering and Household listing within the geographical area, it also allows for the enumerators to collect information about all individuals in the census process. A major shift from the traditional use of paper and biro, all information are collected and transmitted using a digital technology. A post enumeration survey will be carried out after the actual census. This will be a self assessment of the outcome of the 2023 PHC, designed to measure the coverage and content error of the census. The PES is organized independently of the census itself to eliminate bias and ensure accurate and objective assessment.

Conclusion

National Population Commission is set to conduct a transformative census as it will involve everyone and will strive to ensure transparency at every stage of the census processes. The Commission is open to the best option that can give the most accurate information, credibility and engender acceptance. National and sub-national leaders, international and local monitors are and will continued to be involved at every stage to ensure transparency, accountability and quality.