2023 Census: NPC Clears Air on N200 Billion Expenditure
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2023 Census: NPC Clears Air on N200 Billion Expenditure
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Population Commission (NPC) has addressed concerns regarding the N200 billion expenditure allocated for preparatory activities leading up to the 2023 Census.
The Director of Public Affairs Department, Dr. Isyaka Yahya, in a press briefing held on Friday provided essential details to emphasise the significance of the expenditure on 2023 Census and its role in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of it.
The N200 billion expenditure, Yahya said, spanned eight years, from 2014 to 2022, encompassing various crucial components.
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He noted that one vital aspect of the 2023 Census was the digital Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) process, which involved dividing the 774 Local Government Areas of the country into Enumeration Areas.
This task was successfully accomplished between 2014 and 2022, adding that NPC conducted two pretests in 2021 and 2022 to assess the methodology, processes, and systems to be employed during the census.
To evaluate the overall preparedness for the 2023 Census, the NPC organised a Trial Census in July 2022. This trial run enabled the NPC to identify and address any potential issues ahead of the official census, ensuring a smoother process.
To facilitate effective data collection, the NPC invested in the acquisition of essential hardware and software, including Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), computers, laptops, printers, solar power systems, and software for data collection, storage, and processing.
Recognising the importance of a well-trained workforce, the NPC conducted comprehensive training programs for over 62,000 facilitators, who in return, will train 850,000 supervisors and enumerators participating in the census.
This extensive training aimed to equip personnel with the necessary skills to carry out their duties efficiently during the census period.
He further clarified that NPC took proactive steps to mobilise citizens by utilising various communication channels such as radio, television, print media, and social media. The objective was to raise awareness about the upcoming census, encourage broad public participation, and ensure accurate information gathering.
Dr. Isyaka Yahya reiterated the NPC’s commitment to conducting a credible and accurate census, which would provide essential data for national planning and development.
He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the NPC by providing accurate information during the census process.
The NPC’s clarification responds to reports by some media outlets questioning the N200 billion expenditure as a misuse of taxpayer funds.
However, the NPC firmly denied these allegations, emphasising the necessity of the expenditure to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the census.
The 2023 Population and Housing Census represents a significant undertaking for Nigeria. The data collected will play a vital role in determining the country’s population size, housing needs, and resource allocation for future development plans.
The NPC encourages all Nigerians to actively participate in the census by providing accurate information. This national endeavour presents an opportunity for individuals to have their voices heard and actively contribute to shaping the future of their country.
