The House of Representatives has announced its intention to investigate the expenditure of N200 billion by the National Population Commission (NPC) for the postponed 2023 census. This decision was reached following the unanimous adoption of a motion co-sponsored by Rep. Dominic Okafor (APGA- Anambra) and Rep. Patrick Umoh (APC-Akwa Ibom) during Wednesday’s plenary.
Rep. Okafor emphasized the importance of conducting a census, stating that it provides accurate population data crucial for development planning, policy formulation, resource allocation, and government program implementation. He further highlighted how vital a census is, especially at a time when the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, is working on providing palliatives to vulnerable citizens and planning other social services.
The lawmaker pointed out that the NPC has the mandate to conduct periodic census surveys and employ other methods to determine the population of the country and provide data for national planning and economic development.
Rep. Okafor reminded everyone that the last national census in Nigeria took place in 2006, and the 2023 census, originally scheduled for May 2023, had to be postponed by the Commission. He stressed that the data collected in 2006 is outdated and insufficient to form a solid foundation for the formulation of national economic policies that would aid the Federal Government in effective national planning.
He further disclosed that the Commission has already spent N200 billion of the N800 billion budgeted for the planning and execution of the 2023 population and housing census that was postponed. Rep. Okafor emphasized that this financial investment in the planning of the census could have greatly improved economic planning and the distribution of palliatives in the country.
To ensure accurate economic planning, the green chambers urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a date for the conduction of the 2023 population and housing census. Additionally, the Federal Government was called upon to establish Census Tribunals in designated centers in accordance with Section 28 of the National Population Commission Act, 2004, once a date for the census is fixed.
The lawmakers also encouraged the NPC to continue its preparations for the 2023 population and housing census, emphasizing the significance of timely execution. In his ruling, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on Population to investigate the expenditure of the postponed 2023 population census. He further directed the committee to collaborate with the NPC to ensure the success of the population and housing census when it is eventually proclaimed.
