President Bola Tinubu has rejected the National Population Commission’s (NPC) proposed N942 billion budget for the national housing and population census.
Instead, he suggested deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to reduce personnel costs.
The national housing and population census has been delayed several times since the last one was conducted in 2006. The NPC had proposed the budget for the census, which has been a contentious issue due to its high cost.
Tinubu proposed the use of NYSC members to conduct the census, which would significantly reduce personnel costs. He also announced plans to set up a committee to review the census budget and align it with the government’s financial realities.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of accurate data for planning and resource distribution. He noted that without reliable data, the government cannot effectively plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty.
The use of NYSC members for the census would provide several benefits, including:
– *Cost savings*: Deploying NYSC members would significantly reduce personnel costs, making the census more affordable.
– *Increased efficiency*: NYSC members are already distributed across the country, making it easier to conduct the census in a timely and efficient manner.
– *Practical experience*: Participating in the census would provide NYSC members with valuable practical experience in data collection and analysis.
The NPC has acquired 760,000 tablets for the census and will engage with development partners to seek support once Tinubu proclaims the new census. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, stressed the importance of agreeing on the minimum amount required to support the President’s decision.
Despite the potential benefits of using NYSC members, there are several challenges that need to be addressed, including:
– *Training and capacity building*: NYSC members would require training and capacity building to ensure they are equipped to conduct the census accurately and efficiently.
– *Logistical challenges*: Conducting a national census is a complex logistical exercise that requires careful planning and execution.
– *Security concerns*: The census would require adequate security measures to ensure the safety of NYSC members and the general public.
Tinubu’s proposal to use NYSC members for the census is a promising solution to reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, it is crucial to address the challenges ahead, including training, logistical, and security concerns. With careful planning and execution, the census can provide accurate and reliable data to inform policy decisions and drive development.