NPC Warns Of Lost Data And Funds If Census Is Not Conducted

NPC Warns Of Lost Data And Funds If Census Is Not Conducted

The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced that it is unable to proceed with the national census without President Bola Tinubu’s approval. Originally set for 2022, the census was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari due to its overlap with the 2023 elections. Buhari later suspended it indefinitely, leaving the decision on new dates to his successor……… CONTINUE READING

A year into Tinubu’s presidency, there is still no new schedule for the census. NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra had already invested approximately ₦200 billion in preparation for the 2023 census, which was ultimately halted.

At an award ceremony for the Urhobo Leadership Forum in Abuja, NPC Federal Commissioner Mrs. Blessing Brume-Ataguba confirmed that the commission is waiting for presidential approval to resume the census. She detailed that preparations are nearly complete, with extensive digitalization and categorization already done.

“We have established a security committee and are ready to move forward,” Brume-Ataguba said. “We are nearly 80 percent prepared, with enumeration and digitalization largely finished. We only need to finalize recruitment and training for ad hoc staff.”

She emphasized the risk of losing valuable data if the census is further delayed, noting that some preliminary work will need to be redone.

Peter Igho, President of the Urhobo Leadership Forum, criticized the lack of federal representation for the Urhobo people and called for more equitable appointments. He highlighted the broader issues of under-representation and resource mismanagement at both federal and state levels.

“I urge that our voices be heard and our needs addressed,” Igho said, stressing the importance of equity and justice for the Urhobo people in national governance.