First Nigerian census in 15 years

LAGOS - Just how many Nigerians are there? And which half of Africa's most populous country, north or south, has more people?

The first census in 15 years is to be carried out after business leaders pressed the European Union and other international donors to fund the exercise - and the process is expected to be a frustrating experience.

Officials say ethnicity and religion have been left out of the census because it is an "economic" survey.

Critics say this is due to the many ethnic and religious claims in the country - Nigeria has roughly 250 ethnic groups and is also divided between Muslims in the north and Christians and traditional religions in the south, all of which want a say in politics.

- INDEPENDENT