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Tracka, a program under BudgIT Foundation, is demanding accountability from the National Population Commission (NPC) over N129.5 billion spent on the suspended 2023 National Population Census.
The census, which was supposed to provide crucial demographic data, was truncated without releasing any results, leaving Nigeria’s population figures based on outdated 2006 data.
The funds were disbursed for various items, including:
- N118.38 billion for Personal Digital Assistants and Accessories
- N2.47 billion for Hilux vehicles
- N499.8 million for power banks
- N106.19 million for an e-recruitment portal
Tracka’s Head, Joshua Osiyemi, emphasizes that an accurate census is vital for development planning, resource allocation, and governance. The absence of updated data affects education, healthcare, and social protection programs, disproportionately impacting vulnerable Nigerians.
The NPC has failed to respond to Tracka’s Freedom of Information request, violating Nigerian law. Tracka is urging anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly to investigate the expenditure and hold the NPC accountable.
Editors Note:
1. What actions will the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission take regarding the N129.5 billion expenditure?
2. Will the National Population Commission face penalties for violating the Freedom of Information Act?
