By Ghazali Ibrahim 
President Bola Tinubu has rejected a N942 billion proposal by the National Population Commission (NPC) for the conduct of the national housing and population census.
Instead, he’s pushing for cost-cutting measures, including the deployment of National Youth Service Corps members to reduce personnel costs.
The President wants the census to be conducted, but at a lower cost. He’s set up a committee to review the budget and identify areas for reduction.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of accurate census data for planning and development, saying “We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data”, according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information.
The NPC had proposed a budget of N942 billion, which Tinubu deemed too high. The President suggested using technology, such as biometric capturing, to enhance the accuracy and transparency of the census.
This development comes after repeated delays and logistical hurdles in conducting the census since 2006. The NPC has invested in new technology, but issues like inadequate funding, insecurity, and COVID-19 have contributed to the delays.
