The National Population Commission (NPC) has shared that it has spent approximately N200 billion in preparation for the 2023 Population and Housing Census.
The commission’s Executive Chairman, Nasir Kwarra, revealed this information during a breakfast meeting.
Kwarra mentioned that the money spent is part of the N800 billion budget allocated by the federal government for the census. This budget covers more than five years of preparation and includes the recruitment of over one million personnel to ensure a reliable and acceptable digital census.
Kwarra also explained that the cost of conducting a digital census is high due to the procurement of necessary equipment and data.
Nevertheless, he reassured Nigerians of the commission’s dedication to carrying out a credible census.
In related news, President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the postponement of the census, which was initially scheduled to take place between May 3 and 5.
As a result, the NPC is facing increased pressure in its preparations for the census.
In a separate development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opposed the request made by Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for a live broadcast of the proceedings at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.
INEC’s counsel, A.B Mahmud, argued that the court is already a public place accessible to the public, and therefore there is no need for a live broadcast.
Mahmud further explained that the broadcasting of proceedings is subject to strict legal restrictions in jurisdictions where it is practised.
