Reps to probe NPC over N200bn spent on postponed census

The house of representatives has resolved to investigate the N200 billion spent on the suspended 2023 population and housing census.

The lower legislative chamber on Thursday passed the resolution during the plenary session after the adoption of a motion sponsored Clement Akanni, a lawmaker from Osun state.

In April 2023, the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari postponed the 2023 national census indefinitely.

The exercise was scheduled to take place nationwide between May 3 and 5.

The commission had said it needed N200 billion for the preparation of the exercise. 

Justifying the postponement of the census at the time, Isiaka Yahaya, NPC spokesperson, said the exercise was rescheduled so that the next administration would actively participate in it.

Moving the motion, Akanni said the census is important to provide the nation with accurate and reliable demographic data for policy formulation and planning for sustainable development.

The motion was adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker, who presided over plenary.

Consequently, the house mandated the committee on population to investigate NPC for spending N200 billion on a census that was never held.