Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis The Nigerian Population Commission on Saturday said the commission was waiting for the approval of President Bola Tinubu to commence the much-awaited national population and housing census. The commission said it could only do little until Tinubu consents to the commencement of the general census. The population and housing census, initially scheduled for 2022, was postponed by former President Muhammadu Buhari as it coincided with electioneering campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
The exercise was eventually suspended indefinitely by Buhari, a few days before leaving office, stating that he would allow Tinubu to announce new dates for the headcount. However, one year after assuming office, the President has yet to announce a new date. PUNCH Online reported that about ₦200 billion was expended by the NPC Chairman, Nasir Kwarra, on preparations for the aborted 2023 population and housing census.
Speaking at the award ceremony of the Urhobo Leadership Forum held in Abuja on Saturday, a Federal Commissioner of the NPC, Mrs. Blessing Brume-Ataguba, confirmed that the commission was indeed waiting for the President’s approval to commence the exercise. She said, “If you recall, the previous administration of Muhammadu Buhari planned to have the census but had to shelve it because it fell within the same period as the general elections.
He thought it wise to postpone it so as not to overload Nigerians with tasks. But as things stand today, we a.