The executive chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, says the ongoing trial census has been successful across the country.

Mr Kwarra, represented by NPC federal commissioner for Oyo State, Eyitayo Oyetunji, made the remarks on Wednesday while monitoring the exercise in Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun.

The chairman, who addressed the trial census staff and traditional rulers in the area, assured that the government would take note of the outcome and respond appropriately to the needs of the people.

Mr Kwarra said the monitoring was to assist the commission in knowing the level of progress, success and challenges recorded in the exercise in the South-West.

“With this preparatory activity, we are matching on with confidence that the 2023 census will be accurate, reliable and credible.

“Of course, in any exercise, there are challenges, and the challenges we have seen will serve as lessons which we shall use to improve the performance of the main census,” he said.

In his remarks, the Onimeko of Imekoland, Oba Benjamin Olanite, called for more federal presence in the area.

Mr Olanite said the area lacked the necessary infrastructure to enhance its development.

The traditional ruler urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the bill for the Establishment of National Institute of Border Studies already passed by the National Assembly.

(NAN)