A civil technology organization in Nigeria, BudgIT, has called on the National Population Commission (NPC) and Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to release a breakdown of N896 billion earmarked for the conduct of the 2023 population and housing census.
BudgIT, in a press statement signed by its Communication Associate, Nancy Odimegwu on Monday, expressed worry over the huge amount budgeted for the exercise at a time when the nation is in critical financial condition.
The organisation which applies citizen engagement with institutions to facilitate societal change maintained that the release of the breakdown would help for easy accessibility for the citizens and stakeholders to ensure transparency.
“While the census is crucial for planning a progressive and sustained development – which is not limited to knowing the revenue estimation, economic needs, unemployment level, living standard and policies – there is a need for the commission to provide details of its budget to ensure public transparency and accountability.
“The country’s resources are scarce at the time, and we do not believe this is the best use of N869n at this difficult time considering Nigeria’s current debt profile which stands at N44 trillion.
“Therefore, we call on the National Population Commission, Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and the Ministry of State Finance, Budget and National Planning to make this information on its website for easy accessibility for the citizens and stakeholders,” Odimegwu stated.
Earlier in March, Clem Agba, the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning had said that N869 billion would be required for the 2023 national population and housing census which is now scheduled to commence in May.
