The National Population Commission, NPC in Nigeria has flagged off one-week training for management staff of the commission in the six states of the North East to acquaint them with the required knowledge and understanding of the census processes, methodology and instruments.
It is organized for State Directors, Local Government Area Management Staff, and other senior management staff, to ensure that they are trained on detailed principles and methodologies for a successful census as part of efforts to deliver a credible 2023 Population and Housing Census.
According to the Executive Chairman of the NPC, Mr. Nasir Isa Kwarra, the Commission is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the results of the census are acceptable to Nigerians.
International Standards
He also said the commission wanted to ensure that the quality of the data to be generated meets international best standards for planning and developmental purposes.
“It is imperative that the Commission staff should be adequately trained for the Population and Housing Census, as such the quality of staff that will perform the activities are very important. Therefore, having a good knowledge of the content of the Census document, the technique, and the organization of the Census is key to its success,” said Mr. Kwarra.
The Executive Chairman, who was represented by the Federal Commissioner in Gombe State, Mr. Abubakar Danburam, said at the opening ceremony that the participants would be trained on the required management rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the implementation of census projects.
He also said the workshop would teach the basic concept, and terms of the questionnaire, and have the knowledge about the planning, principles, methodology, and management of the census activities.
According to him, the participants would be trained to have a better understanding of the use of electronic data collection technologies, particularly, the use of Personal Digital Assistant, PDA, and devices.
Trial Census
Mr. Kwara said after the conduct of the First Level Management Training, which involved the Chairman and Commissioners; it felt the need to conduct the second Level Management Training, so as to prepare for the forthcoming Trial Census in June 2022.
The NPC said it was important for State Directors, the Comptrollers of Local Government Areas and other top management officers in the States to be trained on their key roles and for them to have a good understanding of the basic concepts on the Census questionnaire before the Trial Census.
“The Second Level Management Training Workshops are being conducted in all six (6) geopolitical zones concurrently.
This training presents a good opportunity for participants to grow their knowledgebase and improve their job skills as staff of the National Population Commission. To achieve the objectives of this training, participants must show commitment and dedication by giving full attention to the content of the training because much is expected from you at the end of the training exercise,” said Mr. Kwarra.
He gave assurances to Nigerians and development partners of the Commission’s commitment to conduct a credible and acceptable census that would provide demographic data for sustainable national planning and development.
Confidence Okwuchi
