The National Population Commission (NPC) has restated its commitment to conducting a digital, reliable and credible census by 2023.

Its executive chairman, Nasir Kwarra, spoke while declaring open a three-day capacity building workshop for population correspondents on Monday in New Karu, Nasarawa State.

Mr Kwarra, who affirmed the determination of the commission to collaborate with journalists to achieve the desired goal of a reliable and credible census, said, “preparatory outcome of the 2023 housing census has been reassured.

“We need to get journalists involved in the preparation. The goal of this workshop is to share with journalists the vision of the commission and to prepare them for quality reports on the census.”

Eyitayo Oyetunji, the chairman of the Public Affairs Committee for the census, described the media as a critical pillar in disseminating information and opinions that would mould society.

Mr Oyetunji expressed the willingness of the commission to continue to partner with the media for a successful population census.

Patience Mbagwu, the acting director-general of the commission, lauded the media for its role as the purveyor of information aimed at nation-building.

Mrs Mbagwu, who called for the support of the media for a successful census, assured of a reliable and credible exercise.

The proposed census for 2022 will now be conducted after the general elections in 2023. Nigeria conducted a population and housing census last in 2006.

(NAN)