We Have Spent N21bn On Mapping Nigeria Ahead Of 2023 Census – Osinbajo
The Federal Government reportedly spent N21 billion on the mapping of the nation into enumeration zones for the 2023 census, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
At a breakfast meeting with partners on the 2023 Population and Housing Census on Wednesday in Abuja, Osinbajo revealed this.
The National Population Commission (NPC) and UNFPA are hosting a breakfast discussion with the theme “Supporting a Transformational Census Process in Nigeria.”
Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, served as Osinbajo’s representative.
He said the federal government had so far approved the sum of N198 billion in the 2022 Appropriation Act and had released about 60 per cent of the funds for the exercise.
“By 2050, Nigeria is projected to have 400 million people; the government must continue to provide quality basic education, nutrition and healthcare for them; improve on security and create more job opportunities for our young people who currently make up more than half of our country’s population.
“Thus, the work of NPC and its partners is even more crucial at this point—adequate planning, data and structure are vital factors in creating sustainable growth and national development.
“The Federal Government had demonstrated tangible commitment to the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census as evidenced in the provision of funds for the implementation of important preliminary activities.
“Specifically, the Federal Government has spent about N21 billion for the mapping of the country into enumeration areas for the census.
“The government, so far, has now approved the sum of N198 billion in the 2022 Appropriation Act, of which about 60 per cent has since been released,’’ he said.
