Tinubu Rejects NPC’s ₦942 Billion Census Budget, Proposes NYSC Members For Data Collection

President Bola Tinubu has turned down the National Population Commission’s (NPC) ₦942 billion budget proposal for the national housing and population census, advocating for more cost-effective measures.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sources privy to the February 24, 2025, State House meeting told The PUNCH that Tinubu suggested deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to minimize personnel expenses.

After a briefing by NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra and other officials, Tinubu assured them that a committee would be set up to review the budget and align it with the country’s financial realities.

In a statement titled “Nigeria Moves Closer to Fresh Census, President Tinubu to Set Up Committee,” Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted Tinubu as saying, “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. We must have a clear path forward.”

He emphasized the need for prudent resource allocation, stating, “I will establish a committee to critically assess the issues and determine where we can get support and what adjustments we can make before moving forward.”

A government insider, speaking anonymously, disclosed that Tinubu considered the ₦942 billion budget excessive.

“The main takeaway from that meeting was that the proposed budget was too high—almost ₦1 trillion. The President believes the cost must be reduced. He is committed to conducting the census but wants it done at a lower expense,” the source revealed.

Another official confirmed Tinubu’s suggestion to utilize NYSC members for cost reduction, stating, “He proposed that corps members be recruited to make the process more affordable.”

However, a separate source indicated that details about the committee’s formation were still being finalized. “For now, we have no concrete information about the committee. It is still in the works,” the source noted.

During the meeting, Tinubu also stressed the importance of integrating the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) into the review process.

“We must establish an accurate count of our population to effectively plan for employment, agriculture, and food security. Many challenges arise without reliable data,” he stated.