Over N400 billion designated for 2023 census – NPC

No less than N400 billion had been designated for the 2023 census, according to National Population Commission (NPC) report.

NPC Public Affairs Department in Plateau, Jick Lawrence, said this in a paper presentation on effective reporting of the census for journalists in Jos on Monday, February 13

Lawrence added that about N100 billion had been spent on preparations ahead of the April census.

“About N100 billion has so far been expended on preparations ahead of the exercise. A census is a massive and capital-intensive exercise,” he said.

Lawrence emphasised that census had reached socio-economic gains. He added that some of the money would go into the empowerment of about 1.5 million Nigerians, and those empowered would be paid from N100,000 to 150,000 per person.

He added that 56,000 vehicles would be hired to enhance the movement of personnel and materials, and about 800,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) would be procured.

He added that census was critical to the development and deserved urgent attention.

Lawrence said that more items would be added to the questionnaires issued to households, including ICT literacy, fertility and child survival, and deaths in the household in the last 12 months.

Others, he said, were difficulties in performing activities, sanitation, and climate change.