The National Population Commission (NPC) says it will cover Daura in Katsina and five other local government areas across Nigeria in the forthcoming trial census.

The NPC federal commissioner in charge of Katsina, Bala Almu-Banye, disclosed this while addressing journalists on Thursday in Daura, on the exercise scheduled for July 11 to 24.

According to him, as part of preparations for the exercise, NPC has commenced the training of about 1,250 personnel who would conduct the exercise in Daura LGA.

“Being a sample exercise, the trial census would only be conducted in selected areas, one LGA will be fully covered in one state in each of the six geopolitical zones,” stated Mr Almu-Banye. “One supervisory area in three LGAs is in each of the three Senatorial districts in the remaining 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

He added, “The LGAs include Daura in Katsina, representing Northwest, Toungo in Adamawa, representing North-East, and Karu in Nasarawa representing North-Central. Imeko in Ogun representing South-West, Idemili in Anambra representing South-East while Brass in Bayelsa state will represent the South-South.”

Seven hundred thousand, seven hundred and eighteen enumeration areas had been selected for the trial census to test-run suitability and readiness for the actual census in 2023,” the NPC commissioner said.

“In consideration of the fact that the success of the trial census depends on the knowledge and skills of personnel engaged, we have commenced this from June 27 to end on July, 8, 2022. Topics to be covered during the training of the trial census field personnel are census methodology, planning and operations and use of digital maps among other important things,” explained Mr Almu-Banye.

Mr Almu-Banye also mentioned that the cooperation and support of stakeholders and the public were vital for the successful conduct of the trial census.

According to him, the NPC has arranged for advocacy and publicity.

He urged all key stakeholders, including the Katsina government, Daura emirate and council to support the census.

“In view of the precarious security situation in the country, I also wish to appeal to security agents in Daura LGA to assist in providing security to our field functionaries and materials,” noted Mr Almu-Banye.

(NAN)