Despite the series of population census
that has been carried out over the years, the
question of how to implement population census
and the real population of Nigeria still remains
unanswered. This paper analyses the importance
of statistical knowledge of Nigeria’s population, in
terms of planning and development. In order to
have an accurate and trustworthy data of Nigeria
citizens, a biometric system for data collection is
proposed as well as a centralised database for
storing these data. Although biometric system is
not a new technology but it is new in this part of
the world as it has not been in use in Nigeria. This
technology will give Nigerian government a
statistical knowledge of its population data which
is of critical reference to ensure equity and
distribution of governmental resources. It will also
serve as a precursor for effective planning,