The National Population Commission (NPC) has said that the sum of ₦200 billion has been earmarked for the conduct of the 2023 census.
Speaking to media executives in Abuja, Isiaka Yahaya, the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, made known the significant financial investment the Commission has undertaken in respect to the exercise since 2014 – when preparations started, till date.
Yahaya said preparations began in 2014, justifying the amount already spent – signifying the long-term commitment of the NPC towards ensuring a comprehensive and accurate census in 2023.
The allocated funds have been utilised for a series of crucial test runs, carried out by the Commission, to meticulously evaluate the effectiveness of the methodology, processes, and systems being implemented for the upcoming exercise. Furthermore, a considerable portion of the allocated funds was allocated to the 2022 trial census, which aimed to refine the procedures and systems in place.
While emphasising the meticulousness of the Commission’s approach, Yahaya acknowledged that the funds expended thus far have been substantial. The importance of ensuring a precise and reliable census, however, necessitates such investments to guarantee accurate data collection and analysis.
Yahaya further stated that no specific date for the 2023 census has been set yet. The Chairman of the Commission is scheduled to hold a crucial meeting with President Bola Tinubu to discuss the finalisation of logistics, including the date for the census.
This meeting will play a pivotal role in determining the timeline for the census and subsequently ensuring its smooth execution.
 has said that the sum of ₦200 billion has been earmarked for the conduct of the 2023 census.){kind=link}