The National Population Commission (NPC) has refuted claims that the 2023 Population and Housing Census would include inquiries on respondents’ religious affiliations.
The statement came in response to a viral audio message circulating on WhatsApp stating that respondents’ religious affiliations would be discussed in the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
The viral post claimed that the religious question is being asked in order to reduce the number of believers.
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Nevertheless, in a quick clarification issued on Wednesday by the Director of Public Affairs, Isiaka Yahaya, he highlighted that the Commission had eliminated such subjects from its questionnaire to safeguard the census data from unnecessary controversy and attention.
NPC’s statement read in part, ” To avoid doubt, National Population Commission wishes to state unequivocally that the 2023 Population Census will not discuss questions on religious affiliations of respondents”.
The Population and Housing Census is an important economic development instrument, serving as a starting point for any government seeking true growth.
The NPC has set May 3 as the start date for the 2023 census.