Nigeria Census: Red fingerprints or a special test
It is one of the largest EU projects in Africa to date and has been entrusted to the Beta
Systems specialists. In the Nigerian census Beta Systems technology and project experience ensured
a fast and secure processing of nearly 50 million A3 and A4 double sheets (grey & black/white)
and under the most difficult social, structural and geographic conditions. Steeled by the
specific technical challenges and the many incalculable factors in the project, the Beta Systems
team is now extremely well prepared for any forthcoming censuses in all parts of the world.
Project Figures
- 50 Mio. Documents (140 Mio citizens)
- 550,000 kg paper
- Each form 01 (household) has 2 sheets
- Each form 01 sheet has two sides
- Each form 01 side creates two images
- grey & black/white
- 320 Mio. images
The last census was 15 years in the past when the Nigerian government took the decision in 2005
to carry out a new data census. Co-financed by the EU which has a political interest in objective,
demographic figures in the country and with the involvement of the British Department for
International Development and the American US Census Bureau, the technical implementation for the
large-scale project was put out to tender for all companies operating in Africa, the EU and
the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states (ACP).
The data capturing / the scan was completed in 7 locations in 6 months. Ususally in 1-2 daily
shifts, with up to 3 shifts in peak periods. Local operaters had been trained by Beta Systems and
by local supervisors with central support from LAB. Of course the training and documentations was
realized in advance, that helped a lot to design the documents according to the needs of the
Nigerian government
Click on pictures to enlarge.
