An important leap toward a modern and credible national census took place recently in Abuja, Nigeria. On April 30, 2026, the Federal Government officially launched an 18-month initiative to consolidate and modernise Nigeria’s national geospatial database. This high-level event brought together key leaders from the National Population Commission (NPC), the UNFPA and other UN agencies, and government ministers.
At the heart of this national effort is a technical partnership with WorldPop, represented by our Head of Spatial Statistics and Population Modeling, Dr Chris Nnanatu. During his keynote presentation, Dr Nnanatu highlighted how geospatial data systems enable evidence-based planning and are critical for a census process that is both smart and efficient. Integrating diverse datasets and advancing technologies like artificial intelligence strengthens the national spatial framework, which, once fully developed, this modernised database will support essential public priorities, including health planning, education delivery, and infrastructure targeting across the country.
Why does this matter for everyday Nigerians? A modern geospatial database is more than just a technical tool; it is a foundation for national development. By providing accurate and spatially precise data, this system will support better health planning, education delivery, and infrastructure targeting across the country. This 18-month modernisation project ensures that Nigeria is equipped with the “technical backbone” necessary to deliver a credible, inclusive, and future-oriented census.
During the meeting the Chief Technical Adviser for Nigeria’s Population and Housing Census, Dr Collins Opiyo said, “The WorldPop Programme is designed to guide the NPC on a methodical journey towards achieving a credible census for Nigeria…This initiative should not be misconstrued as a replacement for the census; rather, it is a critical tool to enhance planning, improve preparedness, and strengthen census management. Nigeria needs this, perhaps more than any other country I know.”
By partnering with the Nigerian government and the UNFPA to co-develop these systems, WorldPop is applying its global expertise in spatial demographics to directly support evidence-based national planning.
Learn more
- Strengthening National Geospatial Data Infrastructure: UNFPA, NPC, and the University of Southampton hold Strategic Meeting in Abuja (UNFPA)
- Nigeria launches geospatial database project to boost credible population, housing census (Business Day, Nigeria)
- WorldPop Open Data
- WorldPop Free Learning Resources
