House of Representatives to Investigate Expenditure on Postponed Census

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has resolved to launch an investigation into the expenditure by the Nigerian Population Commission (NPC) from the N800 billion budget approved by the Federal Government for the 2023 Population and Housing Census. This move comes after the census, originally scheduled for May 3-7, 2023, was indefinitely postponed during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Key Points

1. Expenditure and Postponement: The NPC had admitted to spending N200 billion out of the N800 billion budgeted for the 2023 Population and Housing Census, which was postponed. The postponement raised questions about the funds utilized and their impact on the lives of Nigerians.
2. Motion for Investigation: The motion for investigation was presented by Mr. Dominic Okafor, a lawmaker representing Aguta Federal Constituency, Anambra State. Okafor expressed concern that the budget allocated for the census could have been used for the development and improvement of the distribution of palliatives across the country.
3. Security Challenges: Another lawmaker, Usman Jaha, representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, pointed out that the ongoing security challenges in various regions, including the North-East, North-West, and North-Central, made it difficult to conduct a population census.
4. Resolution: The House of Representatives adopted the motion, agreeing to investigate the expenditure by the NPC on the postponed census. While they dropped the prayer urging the President to set a new date for the census, the focus was on examining how the allocated funds were used.
5. Committee for Investigation: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, referred the motion to the Committee on Population for a thorough investigation and appropriate advice.

Read Also:

• President Buhari Presents 2021 Budget To NASS (Full Speech)
• Ondo Government Establishes 2023 Census Advocacy Committee
• We’ve Spent N200 Billion On 2023 Census Preparation – NPC

Conclusion

The decision by the House of Representatives to investigate the expenditure of N800 billion allocated for the postponed 2023 Population and Housing Census is a significant step in ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. The inquiry will shed light on how the budgeted funds were utilized and assess the viability of conducting the census given the current security challenges in various parts of Nigeria.