Tinubu Rejects N942bn Census Budget, Calls For Cost Reduction.
President Bola Tinubu has declined the National Population Commission’s (NPC) proposed N942 billion budget for the forthcoming national housing and population census, citing the need for cost-cutting measures.
Sources close to the discussions revealed that the President has urged the commission to explore more economical alternatives, including the deployment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the exercise.
During a meeting at the State House on 24 February 2025, Tinubu met with NPC officials, led by Chairman Nasir Kwarra, where he expressed his concerns over the high cost. The President assured them that a committee would be set up to review the budget and align it with the government’s financial priorities.
“This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So, we better have a definite path,” Tinubu was quoted as saying. He added, “I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and assess the sources and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?”
A senior government official who attended the meeting confirmed that while the President supports conducting the census, he insisted that the cost must be significantly reduced.
“The main issue from that meeting was that the money they were proposing was too much—almost N1 trillion. The President believes that the cost must be lowered, which is why he is forming a committee to reassess the budget,” the source said.
Another official disclosed that Tinubu suggested using NYSC members across the country to help reduce personnel expenses. “He proposed recruiting youth corps members to make the process more affordable,” the insider stated.
As of now, details of the proposed committee remain unclear. “We have not received updates on the committee’s formation. It is still being put together, but relevant agencies will be included,” another source added.
Census Vital For National Planning
Despite rejecting the budget, Tinubu reiterated the importance of an accurate census for Nigeria’s development. He stressed that reliable demographic data is essential for planning in key sectors such as employment, agriculture, and national food security.
“We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we cannot plan effectively,” he said.
The President also emphasised the need for biometric data collection to enhance the credibility of the census. He further urged the NPC to assess the country’s financial capacity before seeking support from development partners.
“We should strengthen our financial position first before engaging development partners. We must evaluate the numbers before deciding on their involvement,” he remarked.
Delay in Conducting Census
Nigeria’s last population and housing census was conducted in November 2006. Multiple efforts to hold a new census have been hampered by financial constraints, security concerns, and logistical difficulties.
A census was initially scheduled under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 but was postponed due to budget limitations and the transition of government. Tinubu’s decision signals a renewed effort to proceed with the national census, but with stricter financial discipline.
