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The Federal Government has spent the sum of N21billion on the mapping of the country into enumeration areas ahead of the 2023 census.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated this at a breakfast meeting with partners on the 2023 population and housing census, yesterday, in Abuja.

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Osinbajo, represented by his spokesperson, Laolu Akande, said the government had so far approved N198 billion in the 2022 Appropriation Act and had released about 60 per cent of the funds for the exercise.

“By 2050, Nigeria is projected to have 400 million people; government must continue to provide quality basic education, nutrition and healthcare for them, improve on security and create more job opportunities for our young people who currently make up more than half of our country’s population.

“Thus, the work of NPC and its partners is even more crucial at this point—adequate planning, data and structure are vital factors in creating sustainable growth and national development.

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“The Federal Government had demonstrated tangible commitment to the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census as evidenced in the provision of funds for the implementation of important preliminary activities.

“Specifically, the Federal Government has spent about N21 billion for the mapping of the country into enumeration areas for the census.

“The government so far, has now approved the sum of N198 billion in the 2022 Appropriation Act of which about 60 per cent has since been released,” he said.

Osinbajo said the funds had prepared the commission to conduct the census successfully in April 2023.

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He, however, said more resources and additional funding would be required from partners for the exercise.

He said the meeting was a necessary step toward garnering support for the conduct of the census, which he assured would be digital, scientific, and providing data to guide national development.

He praised NPC, UNFPA and all partners for their dedication and hard work in order to meet the objectives of the census.

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Nasir Kwarra, Executive Chairman, NPC, said the meeting provided a good opportunity to discuss the journey so far on the preparation for the exercise.

(Sun)