The Importance and Usage of National Census for Security and Development of Nigeria

Abstract

Census exercise is based on the notion that clear-cut data is at the center of a roadmap that enables planning, implementation, and long-term development. Because these objectives were not met, most census research in Nigeria has focused on the difficulties, problems, and politics underlying the falsification of census results. Surprisingly, none has articulated why a census is required for security and development. As a departure from the contentious debate enveloping the population, the paper examines the indices census has on the security and development of Nigeria. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study using the proportionate stratified sampling in selecting 270 respondents that cut across three towns: Ado, Ikere, and Ikole, representing each senatorial district of Ekiti State. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection. Findings revealed mixed perceptions about the use of census for tackling security challenges, infrastructural planning, and developmental stride.