President Bola Tinubu has rejected the National Population Commission’s N942 billion proposal for the upcoming national housing and population census, according to The PUNCH.
The President met with top NPC officials, including Chairman Nasir Kwarra, on February 24, 2025, at the State House, where he insisted on reducing the costs associated with the exercise. Sources disclosed that Tinubu suggested leveraging members of the National Youth Service Corps to assist with the census, a strategy aimed at cutting expenses.
Following the briefing, Tinubu announced plans to establish a committee tasked with reassessing the census budget to align with the country’s current financial constraints. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized the need for a clear and definitive plan, stating, “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So, we better have a definite path.”
Tinubu further elaborated, “I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?” While expressing support for the census, the President stressed that its cost must be significantly reduced to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The move reflects Tinubu’s commitment to prudent financial management and his determination to streamline government expenditures, particularly for large-scale national projects like the census. The proposed committee is expected to explore cost-effective strategies, including the potential use of NYSC members, to ensure the exercise is conducted efficiently without straining the nation’s resources.
