Falsification of population census data in a heterogeneous Nigerian state: The fourth republic example

Abstract

This paper examines critically the controversy surrounding the recently concluded population census in Nigeria
which came up between March 21 and 25, 2006. While population census is a deliberate attempt to enumerate people
within a delimited territory at a specific time so as to determine their number, their contribution over the land area
and their basic socio-demographic and economic characteristics, many of such exercises have been juggled
especially in Nigeria. Many infallible proofs for several scores of years have been showing that census taking in
Nigeria has been surrounded by deliberate falsehood with the intents and purposes to derive one benefit or the other
from the government. The paper argues that the Nigeria’s 2006 population census was no way different from the past
falsified ones in Nigeria. The paper concludes that for an accurate population census in Nigeria, population census
should not be used for allocation of governmental benefits.