Buhari approves N10bn for national census

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the release of N10 billion to the National Population Commission for the continuation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation in the remaining 546 Local Government Areas of the country.

He also approved an additional N4.5 billion to be included in the 2021 Budget for completion of the exercise as part of the preparations for the next census.

The acting chairman of NPC, Dr. Eyitayo Oyetunji, made this known in Abuja on Monday while briefing journalists about the funds and the update on the EAD.

He said: “As you may be aware, a total of 228 LGAs were successfully demarcated across the 36 states and FCT in the previous nine phases.

“I am, however, pleased to announce, that His Excellency, Mr President, has reaffirmed his commitment towards the successful completion of the EAD and indeed towards the conduct of the next census by approving the release of the total sum of N10 billion for the continuation of the EAD in the remaining 546 LGAs of the country.

“The president has graciously followed this up by a further approval of an additional N45 billion to be included in the 2021 budget for the completion of the exercise as part of preparations for the next census.

“No doubt, this milestone development underscores the president’s understanding of the role of data, especially demographic data as the bedrock for informed development planning and allocation of resources. facilities and services.

“We in the National Population Commission perceive this highly commendable action of His Excellency, Mr President, as further indication of his dogged resolve to take this country into a post-COVID-19 era that will emerge from systematic planning and optimal utilisation of available resources, especially the human capital with which the country is abundantly blessed.

“There is no gainsaying that no nation can develop beyond the capacity of its population.

“For us at the commission, we wish to reiterate our preparedness and unwavering commitment to work towards the successful conclusion of the EAD and the conduct of the next census and to thereby provide accurate, reliable and up-to-date demographic data for national planning and development.

“I am confident that the commission will deliver a very successful EAD and also to conduct a census that will be accurate, reliable and acceptable.”