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Abuja – President Bola Tinubu has turned down a N942 billion plan for a national headcount, saying it costs too much.
He wants to find ways to save money on the census. One idea? Using young people from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to help out, which would cut down on hiring so many people. An insider said the President thought the original price tag was way too high.
Cutting Costs, Counting People
Tinubu is putting together a team to rework the census budget. He wants it to match the country’s financial reality. “I don’t want us starting and stopping on this census. We need a clear plan,” he said.
Why does he care so much about a census? Tinubu says accurate numbers are key for planning and making the country better. He wants to know exactly who we are, how many we are, and how to use that information.
The National Population Commission (NPC) had a high-tech plan. They wanted to use digital maps and scan fingerprints to make sure the count was correct.
But the price was a problem. Now, the government is searching for cheaper ways to get the job done right. Can they count every Nigerian without breaking the bank? That’s the big question.
