Reps Question NPC Chairman Over N4trn Revenue and Census Readiness

The House of Representatives on Monday raised concerns about the National Population Commission's (NPC) preparedness for conducting a nationwide population and housing census.

During the review of the 2024 budget performance, lawmakers criticized discrepancies in the budget documents presented by NPC Chairman, Jimi Odimayo. The document, titled "2023 Census Strategy and Implementation Plan," revealed that ₦841.97 billion was allocated for the 2023 census, covering pre-enumeration, enumeration, and post-enumeration activities.

The 2024 NPC budget, totaling ₦12.77 billion, allocated ₦1.13 billion for capital expenditure, ₦818.93 million for overhead, and ₦10.82 billion for personnel costs. 

However, NPC Chairman Nasiru Kwara disclosed that ₦1.1 billion had been released and utilized, representing 97.38% of the allocated capital expenditure, with a balance of ₦29.54 million remaining.

Concerns Over Budget Transparency

Lagos lawmaker Okey Onuakalusi questioned the validity of the figures presented, noting that much of the reported budget performance relied on anticipatory funds. 

"If the funds are anticipatory, how can we verify that the budget performance provided is accurate? We cannot base results on funds that have not been fully disbursed," he remarked.

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The lawmakers further criticized the NPC’s proposed 2025 budget, which included ₦18.28 billion for capital expenditure. Of this amount, ₦1.1 billion was allocated for the census, ₦4 billion for official vehicles, ₦12 billion for permanent office buildings, and ₦350 million for expanding registration centers and other related activities.

The NPC also proposed allocations for specific initiatives, including ₦40 million for census research and archiving, ₦90 million for World Population Day commemorations, ₦35 million for migration statistics, and ₦50 million for budget preparation and fixed asset verification.

Census Readiness and Challenges

NPC Chairman Kwara stated that the Commission was about 80% ready for the 2023 census before it was postponed due to a presidential transition. 

The delay has necessitated adjustments to align with new global census standards for the 2030 census round. He acknowledged that while the last census was conducted 17 years ago, preparation for the next one remains ongoing.

Kwara emphasized, "We were on track, but the incoming administration opted to delay the census. As a result, we are reevaluating our approach to ensure a successful census in 2026."

FAQs

• Why was the 2023 population census postponed?

The census was delayed due to the transition to a new administration and other unforeseen circumstances. The Federal Executive Council decided to allow the incoming administration to oversee the process.

• How much funding has been allocated for the NPC’s 2025 activities?

The NPC’s proposed 2025 budget includes ₦18.28 billion for capital expenditure, ₦1.17 billion for overhead, and ₦17.76 billion for personnel costs.

• What percentage of the 2023 census preparation was completed before the postponement?

According to NPC Chairman Nasiru Kwara, the Commission had achieved approximately 80% readiness before the census was postponed.