PM Dion Ngute Extends Population Census to September 15

 

PM Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute 

The Government of Cameroon has extended the deadline for the Fourth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH-4) to September 15, 2026, giving census officials more time to complete data collection across the country.

The extension was approved by Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, extending the exercise by another six weeks. The census was initially scheduled to end on July 31, 2026.

According to the government, the additional time will enable census workers to reach households, individuals and agricultural establishments that have not yet been counted.

The national census officially began on April 24, 2026, and was originally expected to end on May 29, 2026. However, authorities first extended the exercise to July 3 before announcing the latest extension to September 15.

Officials say the decision is intended to improve the quality, accuracy and completeness of the data by ensuring that all geographical areas are properly covered and that households, farms and livestock holdings that were previously missed are included.

The exercise is being conducted alongside the National Agriculture and Livestock Census, making it one of the largest data collection operations ever undertaken in Cameroon.

The information collected will help the government plan for future development by providing reliable statistics on the country's population, housing, agriculture and livestock sectors.

Authorities have appealed to the population who have not yet been counted to cooperate with census workers by providing accurate information before the new deadline.

The census exercise has faced several challenges since its launch, including logistical difficulties, poor access to some remote and insecure areas, and complaints over delays in the payment of allowances to some census personnel.

Despite these challenges, the government says it remains committed to conducting a credible and comprehensive census that will provide the data needed for effective national planning and policy-making.