1. 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 2017

2. 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

3. Roles of a Census Public administration Master Sampling Frame
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
Sampling frame for all sample surveys.
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
Evidence-based decisions by the Private sector operators
Benchmark
Researches
Population projections

4. 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 (0.5m 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

5. 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

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

7. 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 channel training towards addressing those needs

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Preparation of Strategy Implementation Document Questionnaire
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

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

13. Thank you for listening