2023 Census: Commission Assures Nigerians Of Conducting Credible Census

The National Population Commission, (NPC), in Nigeria has assured Nigerians of conducting a credible Population and Housing Census in a serene and secure environment in the country.

The Chairman of the Commission Mr. Nasir Kwara commended Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to postpone the census, saying that it was the right thing to do as the nation is about to transition into another administration.

The Chairman of the Commission also disclosed that over N200 billion has been spent so far for the preparation of the 2023 population and housing census.

Mr. Kwarra made this known at a breakfast meeting with media executives in preparation for the 2023 population and housing census, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

He further said that although N800 billion was budgeted for the census, the federal government has only allocated N224 billion for the exercise.

Process continuity

In the same vein, the Federal Commissioner representing Oyo State, in the Commission, who is also the Chairman Public Affairs Committee, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, said the census was not cancelled but only postponed and that preparations still continued.

Dr. Oyetunji said, “The census process continues. Even though it has been postponed and rescheduled, we want to make a statement that it has not been cancelled, the process is continuing”.

The Federal Commissioner representing Oyo State, in the Commission also said that “When President Muhammadu Buhari announced the postponement, he also charged us to continue activities while allowing the incoming government to become part of the process and own the process”.

He also assured “Nigerians that the preparations that have been made and money spent is secure, they are not wasted,” and that the Commission “will continue to work towards the success of the exercise.”

Olusola Akintonde