The National Population Commission disclosed on Monday that the 2023 population census scheduled to be conducted before the end of the first quarter this year would cost the sum of N400 billion.
The commission’s Head, NPC Public Affairs Department in Plateau State, Mr Jick Lawrence, gave this hint in a paper titled “Enumeration Area Demarcation and Mapping for the 2023 Census” at a capacity building workshop for journalists on effective reporting of census in Jos, the state capital
According to him, out of the budgeted sum about N100 billion had already been spent so far on preparations for the census.
He said: “Over N400 billion has been earmarked to be expended on the 2023 census. About N100 billion has so far been expended on preparations ahead of the exercise, census is a very big and capital intensive exercise.”
The commission’s spokesman, explained that part of the funds would be used for the empowerment of about 1.5 million Nigerians, adding that those empowered would be paid amounts ranging from N100,000 to 150,000 per person.
Lawrence also disclosed that government would use about 56,000 vehicles to enhance movement of personnel and election materials while about 800,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), would be procured for use during the exercise nationwide.
He further clarified that new categories of questionnaires for the census and that some of the issues raised include, ICT literacy, fertility and child survival, deaths in the household in the last 12 months, difficulties in performing activities, sanitation, climate change, among others.
As part of its efforts to ensure credibility of the exercise, the government last week sealed a pact with Zinox Technologies Limited for the supply of the tech components and other accessories for the 2023 national census.
The contract, worth over N85 billion was awarded to the leading technology firm after approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
According to the NPC Chairman, Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra, the company has already commenced supply of the first batch of about 100,000 units of the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) devices required for the census.
