2023 Suspended Census: Reps To Investigate N200b Appropriated For Census

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved at Plenary to invite the DG, National Population Commission to explain how the N200 billion meant for the suspended 2023 Population and Housing Census was expended.

This resolution followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Need to Investigate N200 Billion Spent on the Suspended 2023 Population and Housing Census” moved by Hon. Clement Akanni (PDP- Osun)

The House noted that census is a process of systematically collecting, compiling, and analysing demographic, social, and economic data of a population within a specific region.

The House also noted that governments conduct Census to gather accurate and comprehensive information such as age, sex, marital status, education, occupation, housing, and other relevant demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of a country.

The House further noted that data collected are used for a wide range of purposes, including policy-making, resource allocation, urban planning, public health, education, and more.

The House said it was aware that the last census that was conducted in 2006 by the National Population Commission gave a population figure of 140 million.

In a lead debate, the Lawmaker said the House is aware that the immediate-past administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, planned to conduct another census in 2022, but the programme was later postponed to 2023.

The House recalled that earlier in March 2023 the former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, said a total of N869 Billion would be required for the exercise, this figure according to the Minister, included Post-Census-Activities.

It also recalled that the National Population Commission (NPC) said it had spent about N200 billion to prepare for the 2023 population and housing census.

“Disturbed that the exercise was, however, suspended indefinitely by former President Muhammadu Buhari a few days before leaving office.

“There is a need to provide the Nation with accurate and reliable demographic data for policy formulation and planning for sustainable development should not be overemphasised.

The House adopted the motion and mandated its committee on population to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.