One basic reason why it has proved difficult to conduct an accurate census in Nigeria is

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the basic (main or root) reason why accurate censuses have been hard to conduct in Nigeria.

Step 2: Explain the concept In Nigeria, census figures are not just statistics. They influence:

• Allocation of revenue from the Federation Account
• Creation of states and local government areas
• Number of constituencies and seats in the National Assembly
• Distribution of federal appointments and amenities

Because so much power and money depends on population figures, regions, ethnic groups and politicians have a strong incentive to inflate the numbers. The 1962, 1963 and 1973 censuses were cancelled or rejected over disputes and allegations of inflation. Even the 1991 census and the 2006 census were controversial for similar reasons.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Political interference: This is the root cause. Politicians and ethnic or regional interests manipulate the process for power and resources.
• B. Lack of skilled personnel: Nigeria has enough trained statisticians and enumerators. This is not the basic problem.
• C. Technological backwardness: It can contribute to errors, but it is not the main reason for disputed results.
• D. Educational inadequacies: This is not the main cause, and it does not explain the deliberate inflation of figures.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. political interference.

Tip: In Nigerian Government questions on census problems, think "population = power + money." Whenever you see census controversies, the key word is usually politics (political manipulation, ethnic rivalry, revenue sharing).