Census Planning and Management for next Nigerian Census

Census Planning and Management for next Nigerian Census Chidi Arukwe Deputy Director, Technical Assistant, Population and Related Matters. National Population Commission, Abuja, Nigeria A Presentation at United Nations Regional Workshop on the 2020 World Programme on Population and Housing Censuses: International Standards and Contemporary Technologies, Four Points, By Sheraton, Lagos, Nigeria, 8 -11 May 20171

Introduction The planning and implementation of census operations entail complex technical and administrative activities. In order to ensure successful implementation of the census plan, there is always a need to put in place a robust Census Planning and Management Plan. The Census Strategy Plan broadly outlines various activities and strategies for implementing the next census. Some of the key components are contained in this presentation

Roles of a Census Public administration Services and representation nationwide Equitable distributing and allocating government funds among geographic units Delineating electoral units at the national and State levels, etc. Master Sampling Frame Production of Small Area Statistics Generate reliable statistics on small areas and small population groups - localites Produce statistics on any geographical unit with arbitrary boundaries Uses for business, industry and labour Sampling frame for all sample surveys. Evidence-based decisions by the Private sector operators Benchmark Researches Population projections

Main strategic objectives for the census operation Evaluation of 2006 Census for lessons learnt Adoption of a methodology – Use of mobile direct data capture device including capturing of some biometrics for robust de-duplication Preparation of Census Strategy and Implementation Plan. Articulation of questionnaire items and strategic technical review by stakeholders and development partners EAD Methodology - Use of satellite imagery (0. 5 m to 1. 5 m) resolution to carry out complete demarcation of Nigeria. The Enumeration Area Frame of each State will be loaded into the receiving computer server in the State, while that of the whole country will be loaded into the receiving computer Server at the headquarters. A robust regime of tests to drive the process for proactive trouble shooting, timely reviews Inter-Agency Partnership Preparation of comprehensive dissemination plan

Census management and advisory structure National Census Advisory Committees High Level National Census Advisory Committee National Logistic Committee National Census Publicity Committee Census Management Structure Clearly to be project-managed Establishment of Census Project Management Office Monitoring of census project

Operational Management Structure Census Management Training Plan First level for Board Members and Top Management Second Level for State and LGA Operational Staff

Capacity development Develop a training time table, realistic timelines and measurable milestones for the training process based established needs Develop comprehensive training modules for each level of competency and make adequate copies available at all levels Conduct the training to develop knowledge and skills for existing staff Progressively determine what strengths and weaknesses in the current staff capabilities and

Collaboration with Partners Conduct of detail stakeholder analysis Government State Local Government Agencies Ministries/MDAs Security Agencies International Community Traditional NGOs and CBOs Organized Private Sector Public

Communication with data users Involvement key stakeholders in selection of Questionnaire items and review Development and implementation of the Census mapping methodology Tabulation Plan for dissemination Proposed Census Summit – high-level engagement to discuss all issues about the census Proposed Data users workshop to review the Census Methodology

Plans for adoption of technologies in conducting the census The next census will be ICT-driven to ensure success Census mapping is GIS technology based, use of imagery and handheld device Development of Enterprise GIS framework Handheld devices used in collection of attribute data for EAD exercise already completed

Critical milestones and potential risks for achieving these milestones, contingency plans Preparation of Strategy Implementation Document Questionnaire Draft Edit Specifications Commenced census mapping, completed just 74 LGAs Use of handheld device in collecting attribute data for EAs Preparation of Risk Management Strategy for the EAD Exercise Preparation Quality Assurance and Improvement Strategy

Conclusion Implantation of the management strategies planned for the census will ensure that the objectives of the next census are achieved successfully.

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