NPC: we spent N200b to prepare for postponed census

The National Population Commission (NPC) spent N200 billion on preparations for the postponed 2023 housing and population census, the Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Isa-Kwarra said yesterday.

 Isa-Kwarra, who spoke in Abuja during a breakfast meeting with media executives, said of the N800 billion budgeted for the exercise, the government had only released N224 billion. He added that though the commission underestimated the impact of the 2023 elections, there were elements of financial constraints.

The Federal Government said the incoming administration will decide on the date for the census.

Isa-Kwarra said: “What we’ve been able to spend is about N200 billion, but the N800 billion budget covers the cost of conducting the census. The government has given us N800 billion, but it is a budget, and we believe we may either spend up to that or not.

“The government has actually provided N224 billion which we have utilised for the census so far.”

The chairman, who hailed President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to postpone the census, said it was the right thing to do as the country is about to transit to another administration.

He also assured Nigerians of conducting the census in a serene and secure environment.