According to the National Population Commission (NPC), the expenditure of N200 billion for the preparation of the national population and housing census occurred over a span of nine years, from 2014 to 2023. The Commission responded to misleading reports from certain media outlets that falsely claimed the N200 billion was squandered within a single year (2023).

In a meeting with media executives in Abuja, the Chairman of the NPC, Nasir Isa-Kwarra, had previously announced in May that N200 billion had been allocated for the implementation of the census. However, during a recent media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the NPC clarified that while it was indeed accurate that N200 billion had been spent on the census, the expenditure occurred between 2014 and 2023.

In order to provide accurate information regarding the expenditure of N200 billion by the National Population Commission (NPC) for the preparation of the 2023 Census, it has become essential to clarify the context. Following international standards and driven by a strong dedication to reshaping the narrative of census-taking in Nigeria, the Commission made the decision to conduct a technologically advanced digital census on a large scale. This choice involved significant investment in deploying advanced technologies.

Undoubtedly, a portion of the N200 billion was spent prior to the current Commission's arrival, as the Commission was inaugurated on two separate occasions between 2018 and 2020, even predating the inception of the Buhari Administration.

Regarding the scheduling of the census, Isiaka clarified that there is currently no specific date set, and the Commission will be awaiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision on the matter.