HOW NIGERIA'S TECH INDUSTRY WILL BENEFIT FROM THE FORTHCOMING 2023 NATIONAL PORPULATION CENSUS

As the growth in Nigeria's tech space continues to soar, more tech enthusiasts continue to flock to the industry to tap into its potential. It is crucial to monitor national developments that could favor or hinder the development of the dynamic sector.

One such event is the forthcoming national population census that is slated for sometime in 2023 after all the election dust has settled down.

What is the relationship between population censors and the tech industry

The population census is a crucial exercise that takes place every decade in Nigeria. It is an effort to accurately count the country's population, and it is a critical tool for policymakers, investors, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Currently, Nigeria's population stands at a staggering 220 million people as per 2023 estimates, with a chunk of the country's population being between the ages of 15 and 64, and is regarded as the largest youth population in the world, the most populous black nation on earth, and the sixth most populous country in the world.

The country boasts of the fastest-growing economy in Africa according to a recent International monetary fund forecast, sitting on a land area of over 900,000km2, with a large and growing tech industry contributing over 15% to the country's GDP, according to a 2022 estimate.

No wonder Nigeria's tech sector is attracting billions of dollars in investment regularly, and the industry has become a key driver of economic growth, providing job opportunities and substantially contributing immensely to the all-around growth of the country.

However, the lack of accurate data on Nigeria's population has been a significant challenge for the industry. Without reliable data, it becomes difficult to identify and address the needs of the population, which can lead to missed opportunities.

The population census offers a chance to fix the issue of inaccurate data. 

The census will provide vital information that could be used to guide investments in the tech sector as a result of the proper counting of people and households 

The information will be used to determine which geographic and demographic groups have the most need for technical solutions, and it could direct the creation of programs to meet those needs.

What will be different about the forthcoming population census, and what will it mean for tech hubs?

The National Population Commission has emphasized the issues the forthcoming election is designed to tackle. One of them is the identification of the exact type of population in a given area, whether it is floating or transient, and the exact migration pattern of the populace in any area.

The particular aspect of the census that is creating optimism in the tech space is the commission's desire to measure the information, communication, and technology sectors of the population.

The commission is introducing a new variable to measure work engagement status and reasons for unemployment, aimed at getting the actual part of the population that is currently underemployed or out of jobs. 

Another hot section to be introduced is the owned ICT devices, internet access, and usual location of internet access variables.

This will provide telecommunication providers access to vital information about the reality of their services in locations where they only possess virtual data.

The data could be used to identify areas with high youth populations and limited access to technology. This information could be used to develop programs aimed at increasing digital literacy and providing access to affordable technology in these areas.

Similarly, the data could also be used to identify areas with high demand for specific technology solutions, such as e-commerce platforms, and fintech services. This is will help improve the services of the skyrocketing numbers of fintech businesses in Nigeria.

The forthcoming population is already tagged the first digital census in the country, and from all the benefits highlighted, the tech sector stands to benefit immensely from it, and the outcome of this will be of great benefit to the largest labor force in Africa.