NPC Urges N693.3 Million Allocation in 2024 Budget for Rescheduled Census

In a recent development, the National Population Commission (NPC) has presented a budget proposal of N693.3 million for the year 2024, specifically earmarked for the long-awaited national population and housing census. This budget request marks a significant increase from the N10.52 million allocated for the same purpose in the approved 2023 budget.

However, a detailed examination of the proposed budget reveals not only the substantial increment for the upcoming census but also other allocations related to census activities. Notably, the approved budget for the current year includes a separate allocation of N30 billion for outstanding activities related to the postponed 2023 census, adding complexity to the financial landscape.

The proposed allocations for 2024 encompass a variety of census-related initiatives, shedding light on the comprehensive nature of the planning process. These initiatives include the development of the National Population Data Bank, the Nigerian Population Database Management System (DBMS) Geo-Portal Hosting of Population Website and Web Portal, among others, with a cumulative budget of N20,000,000.

Furthermore, the proposal includes allocations for the preparation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) concept manual (N200,000), the conduct of a second pretest (N500,000), a stakeholders’ conference to present the 2018 census instrument (N5,000,000), and census-related activities in schools (N5,000,000).

The budget also allocates funds for the development of a small area/EA level database for spatial analysis and dissemination (N500,000), field demarcation in 774 local government areas (N500,000), and various intercensal population activities, including surveys, projections, and health surveys, totaling N5,000,000.

Moreover, substantial funds are earmarked for census publicity and advocacy (N60,000,000), research, documentation, and archiving (N20,000,000), as well as cartographic consumables for the EAD exercise (N500,000). The budget also sets aside N5,000,000 for the commemoration of World Population Day and the Annual Population Census Day.

Notably, the NPC had previously declared a budget requirement of N532.7 billion for the national census in Nigeria. However, the former Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, indicated that a total of N869 billion was needed for the census, with the government committing N291.5 billion and the necessity for an additional N327.2 billion.

The national census, initially scheduled for May 3-7, 2023, faced an indefinite postponement by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite this delay, the NPC disclosed having already expended N200 billion for the planning mid-execution of the census.

During the recent budget defense session at the National Assembly (NASS) in Abuja, the House of Representatives Committee on Population emphasized the need for the Federal Government to finalize the census preparation process. They reiterated that, with the preparation process currently at 80%, there should be no hindrance to the successful conduct of the national census.

As Infostride News closely monitors these developments, the financial intricacies and detailed allocations underscore the significance and complexity of conducting a comprehensive national population and housing census. The budgetary proposals and ongoing discussions within the National Assembly will play a crucial role in determining the fate of this critical initiative for the country.