The House of Representatives Committee on Population has called on the Federal Government to finalize the census preparation process.
The committee emphasized that, with the preparation currently at 80%, there does not impede conducting the national population and housing census.
Committee Chairman Okunjimi John Odimayo made this declaration while briefing journalists during the National Population Commission’s 2024 budget defense at the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday.
Odimayo assured the public that, given the level of preparation and technology deployed by the Commission, reliable data for national planning is assured.
He stated, “The Commission was here this morning to present their 2023 budget performance and 2024 budget. Before this, we had a two-day retreat, and what I can say from this is that the Commission is more than prepared to conduct the census.”
He further highlighted, “They also itemized some major items that were purchased, and it is clear to us that for the census, the Commission has gone as far as 80 per cent. With what they have presented, we are very convinced that they are ready for the census.”
Expressing satisfaction with the Commission’s preparations, Odimayo appealed for the completion of the process.
He stated, “Our appeal as legislators is that this process should be completed; we are satisfied with what we’ve seen, and we are very sure that Nigeria, for the first time, should have data that can be useful to all aspects of the economy; we are very convinced.”
Addressing concerns of funds misappropriation, Odimayo defended the Commission’s use of resources, stating, “With what they have defended and presented, this money was not wasted, and that on their own side, they are prepared to have a census.”
