President Bola Tinubu has rejected a proposed N942 billion budget by the National Population Commission (NPC) for conducting Nigeria’s national housing and population census, citing the need for cost-cutting measures, Saturday PUNCH has learned.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, Tinubu met with top officials of the NPC on February 24, 2025, at the State House, where he emphasized the need for a more financially prudent approach.
The president reportedly suggested utilizing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for census operations instead of hiring additional personnel, aiming to reduce costs significantly.
During the meeting, the NPC delegation, led by Chairman Nasir Kwarra, briefed president Tinubu on the budgetary requirements and logistical needs for the census. In response, the president assured them that a special committee would be established to reassess the budget and align it with the government’s current fiscal priorities.
The decision reflects president Tinubu’s broader economic stance of curbing excessive government spending while ensuring that essential national programs, such as the census, are carried out efficiently. The next steps will involve a review of expenditure plans, with potential adjustments to the census framework to accommodate the government’s cost-saving directives.
