We have spent N200bn on postponed census – NPC

We have spent N200bn on postponed census – NPC

The chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, on Thursday, hinted at how N224 billion released by the Federal Government for the 2023 housing and population census was spent.

The initial money budgeted for the exercise was N800 billion but was cut short after the postponement.

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Isa-Kwara mentioned in Abuja during a breakfast meeting with media executives that the N224 billion has been spent on preparations for the exercise which include printing of papers, and training of adhoc staff members, among many other miscellaneous.

Recall that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) postponed the census after several meetings with stakeholders in late April. 

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He said the incoming administration of President-elect, Bola Tinubu, will decide on the date the exercise will hold.

In the same vein, Federal Commissioner representing Oyo State, NPC, and Chairman Public Affairs Committee, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, said the census was not cancelled but only postponed and that preparations still continued.

He said, “The census process continues. Even though it has been postponed and rescheduled, we want to make a statement that it has not been cancelled, the process is continuing.

“When President Muhammadu Buhari announced the postponement, he also charged us to continue activities while allowing the incoming government to become part of the process and own the process.

“We want to assure Nigerians that the preparations that have been made and money spent is secure, they are not wasted, we will continue to work towards the success of the exercise.”