ABUJA (National Assembly’ Report) – The Senate has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to issue a proclamation for the holding of a population census in 2018.
They made the call recently at the plenary, in a motion sponsored by Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, a senator from Kaduna North. He called on the federal government to accelerate action on the planned 2018 national census.
The Senate noted that section 24 of the third schedule to the 1999 constitution as amended, empowers the National Population Commission to undertake the production of demographic, socio economic and health data through the conduct of census survey, vital statistics and other related activities in Nigeria.
They also noted that the last census was done precisely 10 years ago. In tune with the United National Organisation, they however, called on the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the National Population Commission, Ministry of Budget and National Planning and other supervising agencies to make adequate provision in the 2018 budget as a critical pre-requisite to achieving 2017/2018 population census.
Earlier, the Senate also considered the nominees sent for confirmation by the President for commissioners for the National Population Commission and Independent National Electoral Commission.
Nominated as Commissioners for the National Population Commission are, Eng. Benedict Ukpong, Gloria Fateya Izonfuo, Barrister Kupchi Patricia Ori Iyanya, Dr. Haliru Bala and Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji.
Nominated as Commissioners for INEC are, Prof. Okechukwu Obinna Ibeanu, May I. Agbamuche-Mbu, AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’Azu, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, Dr. Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola and AbubakarAhmed Nahuche.
The Senate had earlier confirmed the appointments of Hon Justice Ejemba Eko JCA and Hon. Justice Amina A. Angie, JCA as Justices of the Supreme Court.
