NPC commences second pre-test exercise in Gombe ahead of Census
National Population Commission (NPC), has earmarked four local governments in Gombe state for the second phase of the pre-test in view of the general census exercise.
The benefiting local government areas for the next pilot phase for population and housing census exercise are; Dukku, Funakaye,Akko, and Kaltungo.
Recall that earlier, two others which include; Gombe and Billiri Local Government Areas, were in the first phase culminating to six out of 11 LGAs in the state where the commission has test run the process.
Disclosing the plans of NPC during a news briefing Chairman Nasir Kwarra, who was represented by the Federal Commissioner in Gombe Abubakar Danburam noted that the conduct of the pre-test is part of the preparation of the commission to lay good foundation for the next census.
According to Kwarra, respondents in the selected LGA’s and Enumeration Areas should extend maximum cooperation to the interviewers from 3rd December to 10th December 2021 and answer all questions truthfully.
He revealed that Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), would be employed, stressing that unlike previously when data collation was manually done, now it would be computerized to ensure transparency, accuracy and equity.
Kwarra said, “This will lay good foundation for the next population and housing census which will be credible, reliable and acceptable to the country and other stakeholders.
“In making this commitment, the commission is conscious of the important role of the pre-test in the process of authenticating and updating the Enumeration Areas (EADs), in preparation for the next census. We would like to caution that the pre-test is not the actual census but the mirror through which we look at our readiness for the next census. All efforts must be geared towards making it a huge success by all.”
Commenting on the efforts of the commission in conducting the pre-test amid coronavirus pandemic, the chairman revealed that the Adhoc staff would be properly kitted to avoid transmission.
“The commission wishes to assure all that every necessary step has been taken to ensure that field functionaries are properly kitted and trained to observe Covid-19 protocols throughout the period of the pre-test exercise as prescribed by the presidential steering committee (PSC). We implore members of the public to also observe all the protocols,” Kwarra added.
