Federal Government Kickstarts Recruitment Plans for Nigeria's Upcoming National Population Census 2025

Federal Government Kickstarts Recruitment Plans for Nigeria's Upcoming National Population Census 2025

The Nigerian Federal Government, through the National Population Commission (NPC), appears to be gearing up for a major national exercise: the long-awaited National Population Census. According to a recent promotional poster circulating online, preparations are underway to recruit thousands of young Nigerians for temporary ad-hoc staff positions to support the census, which is scheduled to take place in the coming months.

- Focus on Youth Employment: The initiative emphasizes recruiting youths nationwide, aiming to create temporary job opportunities. This could provide a significant boost for young Nigerians seeking short-term employment, particularly in roles involving data collection, enumeration, and logistical support.

- Ad-Hoc Staff Positions: Recruitment is expected to open for various grade levels, including field enumerators, supervisors, and technical assistants. These roles are temporary and tied directly to the census activities.

- Biometric and Digital Approach: As highlighted in recent government statements, the 2025 census will be Nigeria's first fully biometric-based exercise, incorporating digital tools for accuracy and efficiency. This marks a departure from the 2006 census, addressing longstanding calls for updated population data to inform planning in sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The poster, featuring the NPC logo and illustrations of enumerators at work, underscores the government's commitment to a successful census. It states: "The National Population Commission (NPC) has confirmed ongoing preparations to ensure a successful exercise, expected to create thousands of temporary job opportunities for young Nigerians."

Background on Nigeria's Census:

Nigeria's last population census was conducted in 2006, estimating the population at around 140 million. Today, estimates from sources like Worldometer place Nigeria's population at over 237 million as of mid-2025, making it Africa's most populous nation. However, without fresh data, policymakers have relied on projections, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation. The 2025 census, approved in the NPC's budget and supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, aims to rectify this with a ₦18.2 billion allocation for biometric systems and operations.

In April 2025, President Tinubu inaugurated a National Census Committee, tasking it with delivering a report within three weeks to finalize preparations. The NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, has repeatedly emphasized the need for a credible, technology-driven census to align with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Important Caution: Beware of Scams:

While this development is exciting, it's crucial to note that the NPC has issued multiple warnings about fraudulent recruitment schemes. As recently as February 2025, the Commission disowned fake websites claiming to handle ad-hoc staff applications for the census, stating that no official recruitment portal has been launched yet.   Scammers have been exploiting public interest by creating phony sites that demand fees or personal information.

The NPC has clarified: "The Commission is not undergoing any census Ad-hoc Staff recruitment exercise at the moment." Official announcements will only come through verified channels like the NPC website (nationalpopulation.gov.ng), social media handles, or government press releases. Interested applicants should monitor these sources and avoid any site requesting payment for applications.

How to Prepare for Potential Opportunities

If recruitment does open, eligibility typically includes:

- Minimum age of 18–35 for youth-focused roles.

- Basic educational qualifications (e.g., SSCE or higher).

- Familiarity with digital tools, as the census will use tablets and biometric scanners.

- Residency in the area of enumeration for local knowledge.

Stay tuned for official updates. This census isn't just about counting heads—it's about shaping Nigeria's future with accurate data for better governance and development.

For more details, visit the official NPC website or follow their verified accounts on social media. Let's ensure we're all counted responsibly!