NPC Justifies Spending Of N200bn Released For 2023 Census

The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced that it has spent around N200 billion to prepare for the 2023 census of population and housing.

The commission’s executive chairman, Nasir Kwarra, made this statement yesterday at the launch of the training of interviewers for the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Kwarra explained that the funds were used to buy items for the census.

“We used the money wisely. The items we bought are for the next census, and we don’t need to buy them again. The training we did was for the people we trained. They are the facilitators, supervisors, and enumerators.

“So what we need to do is refresh their training. I still believe that Nigeria needs this census.

“Let me emphasise that the commission values the outcome of the 2023 NDHS in terms of supporting the 2023 census and providing data for development. Although the NDHS coverage is low, as it is a survey, it will produce more detailed data that will be useful for planning purposes, especially in fertility, family planning, reproductive health, etc.

“This detailed information will help the commission build on the achievements of the next census. The stakes are high; the information we collect and the insights we develop have the potential to shape health and social policies, not just for the near future but for a long time to come. It’s not just about numbers and data; it’s about human lives, the well-being of our communities, and the future direction of our nation,” he said.

Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, the director of planning and research at the Federal Ministry of Health, said earlier that the NDHS is very important for them in the health sector, as it serves as a basis to ensure deliverables.