President Bola Tinubu has turned down the National Population Commission’s (NPC) proposed budget of ₦942 billion for the upcoming national census, saying the cost is too high and needs to be reduced.
During a meeting at the State House on Monday, February 24, 2025, Tinubu stressed that the census must be carried out at a lower cost. He proposed using members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to cut down on staffing expenses. The President also ordered the creation of a committee to review the budget and make sure it fits within the government’s financial limits.
“This stop-and-go approach to the census won’t work with me. We need a clear plan,” Tinubu said, according to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The President also highlighted the need to find other sources of funding before asking for help from international partners.
Sources close to the meeting said Tinubu is determined to hold the census but believes the proposed cost of nearly ₦1 trillion is too much. “The President’s stance is clear: the census must happen, but at a lower cost,” an insider shared.
To save more money, Tinubu suggested involving the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in the process. He emphasized the importance of using advanced technology like facial and voice recognition to ensure accurate data collection.
Nigeria’s last census took place in 2006, and several attempts to conduct a new one have been delayed due to funding issues, political changes, and security concerns. The 2023 census, planned under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed for these reasons.
Even with modern tools like digital mapping and biometric systems, the Tinubu administration is still facing challenges in organizing the census. However, with a focus on cutting costs, the government is now working on a practical plan to finally carry out the long-awaited national headcount.
