BY CHRIS OCHAYI & CALEB AYANSINA

ABUJA—NATIONAL Population Commission, NPC, yesterday, said there was no constitutional provision compelling the Federal Government to make use of data generated from the conduct of the population and housing census to address problem of poor governance.

The Director General of the commission, Jamin Zubema, also challenged security agencies to use the demographic data in fashioning out strategies and tactics to tackle on going security problems in the country.

Zubema, who stated this during the visit of the National Security Training Seminar to the commission in Abuja, noted that the data provided revealed certain information on the level of governance which is not used by government to address inadequacy in governance.

“Lack of specific constitution provision compelling the conduct and use of census results, as well as dual provision empowering the commission and Local Government councils for vital registration are also part of the challenges confronting the commission,” he added.

Zubema explained that people only focus on the number of people in a particular area while neglecting other essential information provided by the census results, saying, “It is so unfortunate that even the security agencies always ignoring the commission website to get more information about the population they are securing.

“Current security challenges such as militancy in the Niger Delta, boko haram in parts of the North and FCT, boundary disputes, conflict between farmers and herdsmen require the need to understand our population dynamics in terms of fertility, mortality and migration.

“Our data on population, education and structure of the population help the government to make informed decision in the process of planned intervention in these areas. An in-depth knowledge of these populations dynamic will go a long way in our drive, towards a highly secured nation-state. The data from our census, surveys and vital registration facilitate evidence-based planning and national security measures.

“I urge you to use your knowledge and experience to fashion out strategies and tactics for tackling the security challenges of this country. This will facilitate the creation of an enabling environment for investment and good governance”.

The leader of the team, who are drawn from military, paramilitary and relevant ministries, Wolu Okwuwolu, said the visit will enhance their knowledge and improve their skills in defence and nation building.

“We believe that this visit would enhance the knowledge of participants by improving their understanding of the concept, sharpen their skills on national security analysis and the understanding decision making process.

“Thus exposing them to how the activities of you commission impact on the decision making process in the national security melee,” he noted.