President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed firm support for the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct an accurate population and housing census in the country at a meeting in Abuja.

This is contained in a formal statement signed by Dele Aleke, Special Adviser to the President on Special Responsibilities, Communications and Strategy, Thursday, July 6, 2023

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of deliberation in the committee’s mandate and the need for them to provide credible and reliable census data.

Following a briefing by NPC Chairman Nasir Issa Kwara, the President expressed concern over the delay in conducting another enumeration since the last exercise in 2006.

He urged the NPC to view the postponement as an opportunity to take advantage of the current electronic and digital age.

President Tinubu said it was disappointing that another enumeration had not been carried out so far.

Given advances in electronics and digital technology, he hopes to turn delays into opportunities.

He encouraged the NPC to use digitization to make the census process easier and create reliable databases for identification, planning and disaster management.

In assuring the NPC of his support, the President emphasized the importance of the accuracy and completeness of data collected for the benefit of the Nigerian people and the country’s economic development. He encouraged the committee to be careful and firm in its efforts to build its reputation.

Kwala, chairman of the National People’s Congress, briefed the president on the implementation of the 2023 population and housing census.

He explained that the census was delayed due to challenges faced by the commission due to the transition of the new government and funding constraints.

Kwara asked the president to issue a new census date announcement later this year or early next year.

Kwara also highlighted the funding challenges facing the commission and asked the president to support continuing the census.

He mentioned that the demarcation work has been basically completed, with only one or two places remaining. In addition, the committee has trained 60,000 instructors who will further train census takers and supervisors.

In a document titled “Implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census”, the NPC called for the release of the N31 billion allocated in the 2023 budget for preparatory activities. After a methodological review, the total cost of the census was estimated at N546.72 billion.

Kwarra has also requested an additional N225.2 billion for training and fieldwork stipends, retraining of trainers and conducting secondary pilot censuses.

President Tinubu was asked to approve and convene a stakeholder meeting with the organized private sector and foreign partners to raise funds for the census.

Kwara briefed the President on a database developed in Nigeria that can contribute to national planning, infrastructure development and government revenue generation.

He emphasized that by 2028, the NPC has the potential to generate as much as $14 billion in revenue through the automation of economic programs and further save the country substantial resources.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed support for the National Population Census Committee (NPC) to conduct an accurate population and housing census in the country at a meeting in Abuja.

This is contained in a statement signed Thursday, July 6, 2023 by Dele Aleke, Adviser to the President on Special Operations, Communications and Strategy.

President Tinubu stressed the importance of caution in the work of the committees and the need for them to provide accurate census data.

After meeting the chairman, NPC chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra expressed concern over the delays in the census since the 2006 exercise.

He asked the NPC board to see the delay as an opportunity to take advantage of modern technology.

President Tinubu said it was a pity that the census had not yet been conducted.

Given the advances made in electronics and modern technology, he hopes to turn delays into opportunities.

He encouraged the NPC to use digital means to facilitate the census process and create accurate data for identification, planning and resolution.

While assuring the NPC of its support, the President stressed the importance of the accuracy and credibility of information gathered for the benefit of the Nigerian people and the country’s economic development. He also encouraged the board to be careful and determined in their efforts to do so

Kwara, chairman of the National People’s Congress, briefed the president on how to carry out the 2023 population and housing census.

He explained that the agency faced challenges due to the transition of the new government and a lack of funding, which caused the census to be delayed.

Kwara asked the president to announce a new census date this year or early next year.

Kouvola also explained the funding challenges the agency faced and sought the president’s support to continue the census.

He said the chartering of the chattel was almost complete, with one or two positions remaining. In addition, the institution has trained 60,000 teachers who will further train statisticians and observers.

In a document titled “Issues for the Implementation of the 2023 Population and Housing Census”, the NPC requested the allocation of a budget of N31 billion for planned activities from the 2023 budget. The total cost after reviewing the roads is estimated at N546.72 billion.

Kwara also asked for an additional 225.2 billion naira for training and fieldwork allowances, retraining of trainers, and secondary testing.

President Tinubu was asked to approve and convene a meeting of stakeholders, NGOs and foreign partners to raise funds for the census.

Kwara briefed the President on information developments in Nigeria, which help in planning the country, providing infrastructure and generating government revenue.

He explained that by 2028, the NPC has the potential to generate $14 billion in revenue and save the community a lot of resources by controlling the economic system.

arewanahiya.com