“Of What Use is the Counting to Us?” an Account of the (de) Motivations of Homeless Persons Ahead of Census in Nigeria

This study examined how the state of homelessness can influence the perception and willingness of the homeless population to participate in the 2023 housing and population census in Nigeria. The research adopted an exploratory case study drawn from field experiences. The accidental sampling technique was employed in selecting eight homeless persons in the Ajegunle locality in Lagos. Observational notes and interview data were collected and analyzed thematically. The findings showed that most participants were of the Hausa-Fulani ethnicity and were engaged in menial jobs for survival. Having participated in previous censuses, people who are homeless persons perceived the exercise as influenced by political issues and less essential to their well-being and state of homelessness. The study showed that the failed expectations from the previous census deterred the homeless persons from continued participation in the exercise. In conclusion, the study suggests the need for government to ensure the translation of census data into development to boost public confidence in census participation and outcome.