The National Population Commission (NPC) has launched a call centre as part of preparations for the success of the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
It was launched Tuesday at the NPC headquarters in Abuja where the Executive Chairman of the commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra said it would aid constant interaction between the public and the NPC.
“As you are aware, a population census is a people-oriented activity that seeks to capture the demographic characteristics of the populace across the length and breadth of the country.
"The launch of this integrated call centre for the 2023 census is yet another major step towards making the 2023 census a resounding success and underscores our commitment to providing demographic data for national planning.
“The inauguration of the call centre ahead of the actual enumeration of persons in April 2023 is, therefore, a clear indication of the commitment of the commission to conducting a people-oriented 2023 Population and Housing Census,” he said.
Mr. Kwarra further said the call centre is equipped with modern information and communications technology facilities for video conferencing, emailing, and telephony.
It would be put to use before, during, and after the census, Mr. Kwarra said.
He called on all operational staff of the centre to be professional in the discharge of their duties, in order to ensure that the aim of establishing it is achieved.
“I, therefore, urge the operators of the call center to demonstrate commitment, hard work, and zeal in handling this sensitive assignment.
“As census functionaries handling this critical task of communicating with Nigerians, much is required of you.
“You must be committed, focused, polite and courteous in your dealings with the general public, and above all, you must bring your patriotic zeal to bear on the work at hand as what you are going to do, should be seen as service to your fatherland.”
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ulla Elizabeth Mueller was present at the launch of the call centre.
She said the UNFPA will work with the Nigerian government to support the implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census and its other activities.
"UNFPA has always supported and will continue to support various activities, in line with UNFPA’s global strategy for support of the Population and Housing Censuses, towards strengthening the capacity of the National Population Commission to conduct a successful census.
“UNFPA has provided a qualified, leading international and independent Chief Technical Adviser among other personnel to provide responsive technical assistance and oversight and ensure successful census implementation.
"I applaud the National Population Commission for adding yet another innovation to the census process.
“If well implemented, a call centre will significantly change the complexion of this census implementation in favourable ways and is clearly another first in the scheme of Nigeria census-taking history," she said.
Ms. Mueller further applauded the NPC for the giant strides taken in actualising the 2023 Housing and Population Census.
The numbers for the NPC Call Centre are 07000236787 and 07000CENSUS.
