President Bola Tinubu’s administration is taking a fiscally cautious approach to the much-anticipated national housing and population census, pushing for significant cost reductions in the proposed budget. The National Population Commission (NPC) presented a hefty N942 billion (nearly $1 trillion USD) proposal for the exercise, a figure deemed excessive by the President. Tinubu, while acknowledging the critical importance of the census, emphasized the need for prudent financial management, especially given the current economic realities. Consequently, he has mandated the formation of a committee to meticulously review the budget and explore avenues for cost optimization. This committee’s task will include identifying potential sources of funding and evaluating existing resources before commencing the census.
A key area of focus in the cost-cutting drive is personnel expenditure. President Tinubu has suggested incorporating members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a national service program for young graduates, into the census workforce. This strategy aims to leverage a readily available pool of educated individuals, significantly reducing the financial burden associated with hiring and training a dedicated census staff. The integration of NYSC members aligns with the government’s focus on youth engagement and could provide valuable practical experience for the corps members. While the exact composition and responsibilities of the presidential committee remain unclear, it is expected to involve relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive review of the census budget.
The President’s emphasis on cost-effectiveness does not diminish the importance he places on the census itself. He underscored the critical role of accurate population data in effective national planning, from employment strategies to agricultural development and food security initiatives. Without reliable demographic information, the government’s ability to address pressing national challenges is severely hampered. Tinubu specifically highlighted the importance of the census in optimizing government programs, such as fertilizer distribution, emphasizing that accurate data is crucial for efficient resource allocation and targeted interventions.
Furthering the pursuit of accurate and reliable data, President Tinubu stressed the need for robust biometric data capture in the census process. He advocated for multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition, as part of a comprehensive and modern approach to data collection. This focus on biometric technology aligns with the NPC’s previous investments in digital mapping and biometric capture systems, aimed at enhancing the accuracy and transparency of the census. The President also underscored the need for strong financial footing before seeking support from development partners. He directed the NPC to thoroughly assess the financial requirements and explore all available domestic resources before engaging with international partners.
The Nigerian census, last conducted in 2006, has been plagued by repeated postponements. Factors such as funding shortages, security concerns in some regions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and political transitions have contributed to these delays. The 2023 census, initially planned under the previous administration, was also postponed due to similar constraints. The Tinubu administration is now grappling with these same challenges, seeking to navigate the complexities of timing, methodology, and capturing data on mobile populations, including internally displaced persons. These issues highlight the considerable logistical and financial hurdles involved in conducting a national census in a vast and diverse country like Nigeria.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, reiterated the central role of census data in future planning and resource allocation. He stressed the necessity of reaching a consensus on the minimum budget required to conduct a successful census, emphasizing the need for collaboration between various government agencies. This includes inter-agency discussions with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the Ministry of Digital Economy, and other relevant bodies. The goal is to maximize the use of existing data resources and optimize data collection efforts across the government. The NPC chairman confirmed the acquisition of 760,000 tablets for the census, currently held by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and indicated the commission’s readiness to engage with development partners once President Tinubu officially proclaims the new census date. This combined approach of fiscal prudence, technological advancement, and inter-agency collaboration underscores the government’s commitment to conducting a cost-effective and accurate census.
