NPC excepts six local councils from Borno demographic survey
By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
The National Population Commission (NPC) has exempted six local councils from participating in the ongoing 2023/2024 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) in Borno state.
According to the Commission, the exemption of Local Government Areas (LGAs) was taken, after careful deliberation on the insecurity to lives and property.
Unveiling the affected councils over insecurity on Tuesday in Maiduguri, the NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra disclosed: “Insecurity in Chibok, Magumeri, Mobbar, Marte, Guzamala and Abadam could prevent our staff and others from conducting DHS in the state,” stating that five of the councils are located in the north, while Chibok is located in south senatorial district.
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“They are considered flashpoints that require a lot of security logistics to convey our staff there,” warning that the Commission cannot risk the life of any of its staff,” he noted.
Kwarra, represented by the NPC State Director, Haruna Ibrahim, noted that the NDHS exercise would collate high-quality data on a wide range of vital indicators, including fertility rates, maternal and child health and mortality.
According to him, the outcomes of the DHS will address gender-related issues, nutrition and child mortality.
“They are considered flashpoints that require a lot of security logistics to convey our staff there,” warning that the Commission cannot risk the life of any of its staff
On the inclusiveness of councils in the Survey, Kwarra said: “It would have an impact on the State; but the exempted council areas would take advantage of the neighbouring communities and LGAs, where the exercise is taking place,” noting that whatever result obtained there would also be applied to the six insecure councils.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to use the data to make important decisions in addressing the critical needs of people.
“The data from DHS will improve health outcomes, and reduce the burden of disease across the country,” said Ibrahim.
