NPC Defends Use Of N200bn Released For 2023 Census

The National Population Commission (NPC) says it has spent about N200 billion on preparations for the 2023 population and housing census.

The executive chairman of the commission, Nasir Kwarra, said this yesterday at the flag-off of training of interviewers for the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) held in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

Kwarra said the money was used for the procurement of items for the census.

“I can assure you that the money was judiciously utilised. The procurement of items are for the next census and we do not have to procure these items again. The training we conducted remains with the people we have trained. That is the facilitators, the supervisors and enumerators.

“So what we need to do is to do a refresher training. I still believe that Nigeria need this census.

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“Let me reiterate that the commission attaches a lot of importance to the outcome of the 2023 NDHS in terms of complimenting the 2023 census in the provision of data for development. Though the NDHS coverage is low, being a survey but it will generate more detailed data that will be useful for planning purposes especially in fertility, family planning, reproductive health etc.

“This detailed information will help the commission in consolidating the achievements of the next census. The stakes are high; the information we gather and the insights we develop have the capability to influence health and social policies, not just for the immediate future, but for a long time to come. It’s not simply about numbers and data; it’s about human lives, about the well-being of our communities, and the future trajectory of our nation,” he said.

Earlier, the director of planning and research, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, said the NDHS is very important for them in the health sector, as  it serves as base to ensure deliverables.