Incorporate biometric data in 2024 census, ex-NPC Commissioner urges Tinubu

The immediate past Commissioner representing Ondo State on the board of the National Population Commission (NPC), Prince Diran Iyantan, has advised President Bola Tinubu, to ensure the inclusion of biometric data gathering in the proposed 2024 census in the country.

Iyantan who said the inclusion of biometric data gathering in the 2024 census will ensure that every citizen are counted and truly accounted for through biometric tracking data systems.

According to him, this would enable the country to update its census figures periodically without having to conduct the entire exercise of national headcount all over again.

He said this method of data gathering will allow the country to access the data of any citizen with biometric watertight identification

Iyantan gave the advice in Akure while declaring his ambition to contest for the governorship ticket of All Progressives Congress(APC) ahead of the November gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

He said: “I believe it is crucial for President Tinubu to take the census project to a higher level by incorporating scientific methodologies into the data collection process.

“While the commission has already deployed state-of-the-art technology for data collection, we have not fully embraced the power of science in gathering data through biometric technology.

“During my time with the commission, there were extensive debates on the inclusion of biometric data collection. Unfortunately, due to cost management concerns, this idea was not pursued. However, I firmly believe that it was a missed opportunity.

“If we include this vital component of biometric data gathering in the NPC budget, it will not only authenticate everyone counted but also serve as a foolproof way to prevent crimes and address critical issues through proper identification and management of citizens’ data.

“President Tinubu should prioritize the inclusion of biometric data gathering in the 2024 census. This will ensure that everyone counted is truly accounted for through biometric tracking data systems.

“By doing so, Nigeria will only need to update its census figures periodically without having to conduct the entire exercise of national headcount all over again. Moreover, with the press of a button, we will be able to access the data of any citizen with biometric watertight identification.”

Speaking on his aspiration to govern the state, on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Iyantan said: “My vision for Ondo State is one of inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable development. I am committed to building a state where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their background or social status.

“I intend to create an enabling environment that attracts investments, stimulates job creation, and ensures the prosperity of our people.”

According to him, his administration will give priority to education, health and agriculture as well as strengthen the security architecture in the state, including equipping Amotekun Corps to nib crimes on the bud.

Iyantan noted that investment and development cannot thrive wherever there is insecurity.

He however, called on the party leadership to adopt direct mode of primary, saying if the direct mode of primary is adopted, it will allow all card-carrying members of the party to participate in choosing who should the standard bearer of the party in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

He said this would prevent moneybags from hijacking the party’s ticket even when they are not acceptable to members of the party and the people of the state who would vote in the election.