The Federal Government (FG) has intensified efforts to collaborate with media organizations nationwide in preparation for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census. This strategic move aims to ensure accurate dissemination of information, enhance public participation, and minimize misinformation ahead of the nationwide exercise.

Officials from the National
Population Commission (NPC) and the Ministry of Information held a series of consultative meetings with representatives from print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

The discussions centered on the role of journalists in sensitizing the public, promoting transparency, and ensuring that all citizens understand the census process and its importance for national development.

Speaking at the briefing, a senior government official emphasized that “media engagement is critical to the success of the census. Accurate reporting will help dispel myths, encourage participation, and guarantee that every Nigerian is counted.”

The government also unveiled plans for media training programs, including workshops for reporters and correspondents across the country, to equip them with the necessary knowledge and tools for responsible census coverage.

This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda of leveraging public-private partnerships to drive national development and strengthen institutional capacity.

Observers note that effective media collaboration could significantly boost citizen participation, ensuring that the census results reflect the country’s demographic realities, which in turn inform policy decisions, budget allocations, and infrastructural planning.