A Hefty Price Tag for a National Census
Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has criticized the National Population Commission (NPC) for requesting nearly N942 billion to conduct a national housing and population census in 2025. Sani described the request as “total madness,” questioning the rationale behind such a staggering budget for counting Nigeria’s population.
Tinubu’s Rejection of the Proposal
Reports indicate that President Bola Tinubu rejected the NPC’s budget proposal, opting instead to deploy members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the census exercise. This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the move as a cost-saving measure and others expressing concerns about the feasibility of using NYSC members for such a critical national exercise.
Shehu Sani’s Reaction
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Shehu Sani commended President Tinubu for rejecting the NPC’s budget. “National Population Commission request for almost a trillion naira just to count the number of Nigerians is total madness. The rejection of their budget is commendable,” he wrote.
Sani’s comments reflect widespread public skepticism about the high cost of the census and the need for transparency in government spending.
The Bigger Picture
The NPC’s request for N942 billion comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation, unemployment, and a rising debt profile. Critics argue that such a massive expenditure on a census is unjustifiable, especially when funds could be redirected to more pressing needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
What’s Next?
With President Tinubu’s rejection of the NPC’s budget, the focus now shifts to how the census will be conducted using NYSC members. While this approach may reduce costs, it raises questions about the accuracy and efficiency of the exercise. Stakeholders are calling for a detailed plan to ensure the census is credible and cost-effective.
Why This Matters
The controversy over the NPC’s budget highlights the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government projects. It also underscores the importance of prioritizing national resources to address urgent socio-economic challenges.