- President Bola Tinubu met with National Population Commission officials to discuss the 2023 national census budget proposal
- Tinubu rejected the N942 billion proposal, citing the need for cost reductions and more efficient planning
- He suggested deploying NYSC members for reduced personnel costs and promised to set up a committee to reassess the budget
President Bola Tinubu has rejected a N942 billion proposal from the National Population Commission (NPC) for the upcoming national housing and population census, insisting that significant cost-cutting measures be implemented.
At a meeting with NPC officials at the State House, Tinubu stressed the need for the census to be conducted within the government’s current financial limitations.
He proposed the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to reduce personnel costs, while promising to set up a committee to reassess the census budget.
The president expressed support for the census but noted that the proposed cost of nearly N1 trillion was excessive.
He emphasised that the government must ensure that the financial burden was reduced before proceeding with any plans.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty,” Tinubu said.
The president also highlighted the need for biometric data capture, including facial and voice recognition, to enhance the accuracy and transparency of the census process.
He further noted that government incentives, such as fertiliser distribution, could benefit from more precise demographic data.
The census, which has faced delays since its last occurrence in 2006, continues to be fraught with logistical and funding challenges, including insecurity in certain regions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, indicated that census data would be crucial for future planning and resource distribution.
“More harm than good”: NIMC’s 3-in-1 card announcement does not excite Nigerians
TheRadar earlier reported that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) proposed a three-in-one card which would be made available to citizens across the country between July and August this year.
This was disclosed by an official of the NIMC during an interview on Friday, June 21.
