Nigeria’s 2006 Population Census: Issues and Implications

Abstract

Population census is the main source of social, economic and spatial data. It is usually undertaken decennially. However, census is not only irregularly conducted but also being manipulated whenever the exercise is undertaken in Nigeria. This study assesses the 2006 population census data. The specific objectives are to i. highlight the historical perspective population census in Nigeria; ii. identify issues in the population figures reported by NPC in the 2006 census; iii. highlight the implication of population distribution on socio-economic development. The study employed population census data and analysed them using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Population of people in the last 5years preceding years ending with “0” were summed up and compared with those years ending with “0” The findings reveal that more than half of the children from Kebbi, Zamfara, Kastsina and Gombe states are below age 15.  Borno State with 49.1% being children population, majority are illiterate. Furthermore, Yobe, Borno, Kebbi and Jigawa states where majority of the adults and aged appeared in ages ending with “0”, the literacy rates are 25.3%, 27.4%, 36.5% and 38.7% respectively. The figures that are obviously low can of course affect census outcome when embarked upon. The relatively large children population seemed to affect school enrolment. The paper therefore recommends that reliable census should be undertaken regularly. Literacy 
rate should be improved upon.