Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Strategic Communication for Accurate and Reliable Population Census Data in Nigeria

Accurate and reliable population census data are fundamental to evidence-based policymaking, equitable resource allocation, sustainable national development, and effective governance. However, Nigeria's population census exercises have consistently been challenged by political interference, data inaccuracies, public distrust, logistical inefficiencies, and inadequate technological innovation. It is on this ground that the study examined how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and strategic communication can be harnessed to enhance the accuracy, reliability, credibility, and transparency of population census data in Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory, which explain the adoption of technological innovations and the role of communication in influencing public acceptance and participation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population comprised 1,350 professionals drawn from the National Population Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, National Identity Management Commission, ICT organizations, communication agencies, and academia. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 309 respondents was selected. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 309 respondents was selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Study findings revealed that; AI technologies including biometric verification, machine learning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, automated data validation, and predictive analytics significantly improve census accuracy, reliability, operational efficiency, and transparency. The study further established that strategic communication enhances public awareness, trust, stakeholder engagement, and citizens' participation by combating misinformation and promoting confidence in census administration. The study concludes that integrating AI with evidence-based strategic communication provides a sustainable framework for modernizing Nigeria's census system and strengthening public confidence in demographic data. It recommends institutionalizing AI-driven census technologies, implementing comprehensive strategic communication campaigns, strengthening digital infrastructure and professional capacity, establishing robust ethical AI governance frameworks, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure credible, transparent, and internationally comparable population census data for sustainable national development.