Breaking : At The Commission's Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Isaka Yahaya Spoke About Activities for The 2023 Band NPC Census

National Population Commission : Dr. Isiaka Yahaya, director of the public relations department, spoke about the 200 billion naira spent on activities to prepare for the population and housing census at a press conference on June 16, 2023, at the commission's offices in Abuja.

I am delighted to welcome honorable members of the media to this briefing so that we can put an end to the pointless debates that have been sparked by the cost of the preparations for the 2023 Census. However, my first duty today is to express, on behalf of the Commission, my gratitude to the Nigerian media for the robust and competent manner in which they have consistently disseminated information and informed the public about the upcoming census. Nigerians have been inspired to support the successful conduct of the 2023 Census by the insightful and encouraging reporting of the preparations for it that has brought it to the forefront of national discussion.

The National Population Commission Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, revealed at a breakfast meeting with media executives on May 18, 2023, in Abuja that N200 billion had already been spent on preparations for the 2023 Census, in what would typically be seen as an open display of transparency meant to reassure Nigerians and the international community that the journey towards the 2023 Population and Housing Census remains on course.

The Commission implemented the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) in phases over eight years as the first step in preparing for the 2023 Population and Housing Census. The 774 Local Government Areas in the nation were split up into Enumeration Areas as part of the EAD. From 2014 to 2022, the Enumeration Area Demarcation was completed digitally. Given the size of Nigeria, it must be extremely expensive to conduct such extensive field activities.

The deployment of logistics across the nation, the purchase of high-resolution satellite images of Nigeria’s entire land area, and the training, and deployment of tens of thousands of ad hoc workers for several months to carry out the field operations are the major cost components of the EAD project. These were all very substantially paid for.

In conclusion, I would like to make it abundantly clear that the Commission has nothing to hide regarding the preparations for the Census. Because the Census project is being carried out professionally and openly, the Commission is available to answer questions and is ready to provide clarification if required.

I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian media, who are also strategic partners of ours, to collaborate with the Commission in order to achieve the objective of providing the demographic data required to support and propel our nation to the pinnacle of sustainable development. We hope that you will continue to report the 2023 Census honestly and professionally so that we can effectively educate the public about a national task that will be rewarding and successful.

Source Arewa Fact