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FG Recommends Census To Hold In May, Pledges Credible Headcount

Published

2 weeks ago

March 6, 2023

….Committed N291b for census

Joel Ajayi

Federal government on Monday said that with the support of all stakeholders, Nigeria is going to conduct a free, credible and acceptable census as it recommends the census to hold in May this year.

The Minister of Budget and National Planning Dr. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, stated this in Abuja at the high-level partners engagement to seek support for the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census, saying FG envisages a credible census exercise with the use of digital technology, adding that the 2023 Census will be involving the use of digital maps.

“We look forward to a census that employs extensive use of digital technology for credible, reliable, and acceptable outcomes; and provides accurate and well-disaggregated data for strategic planning and policy making.

“I am pleased to intimate you that the 2023 Population and Housing Census will be Green Census involving the use of digital maps, digital questionnaires and cloud computing to ensure compliance with the global climate change campaign for reduction of emission by 30 percent unconditionally and an additional 15 percent conditionally by the year 2030.

This Month marks exactly 17 years since the last National Census was conducted in Nigeria in 2006. By the United Nations standard, Population and Housing Censuses ought to be conducted every 10 years. The set period allows the Government to correctly capture changes in the population, age-structure and movement of population for alignment of public policy and investment decisions, as required.

“Our major challenge over the years has been the lack and/or inadequate funds to readily carry out such a huge project in the face of pressing needs for social welfare and human capital development.”

In his Addressed, the Minister of State Budget and National Planning Prince Clem Agba said the total requirement for the Census (including post Census activities) is N869 billion and government has injected a sum of N291.5 billion ($632million) for the conduct of the 2023 population and housing census.

According to him, “The total requirement for the Census (including post Census activities) is N869 billion ($1.88b). Census requirement – N626b ($1.36b) which is about $6 per capita (just slightly above the threshold of up to $5 per capita). Post-Census (up to 2025) – N243b ($527m).

“So far, the Government has committed N291.5 billion ($632m) to the Census, making it 46 percent of total funding for the Census. An Additional (immediate) sum of N327.2b ($709.9m) is required to complete the Census.”

Agba further disclosed that the census exercise was to be conducted last year, but rescheduled for March 2023, however, there is a recommendation that it should be held in May, 2023.

Speaking also, the NPC Chairman Chairman National Population Commission Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra commended President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for approving the conduct of the 2023 Population and Housing Census in spite of all the pressing challenges and also his unwavering support to the Commission.

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Yauri Emirate Stakeholders Meet Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Seeks Improve Power supply

Published

14 mins ago

March 22, 2023

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

In an effort to increase energy supply and mutual relationship between Yauri Emirate, its environs and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), stakeholders from the Council have paid a courtesy call on the Management of the Company.

The Dallatun Yauri and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar who led the team on the visit on Wednesday, stated that the meeting is an offshoot of a letter written by the Emir of Yauri, His Royal Highness, Dr. Zaiyyanu Abdullahi to the Managing Director of KEDCO on the need to improve the electricity supply to Yauri Municipal and its environs as well as foster better understanding between the Company and the Community.

According to him “the delegation from the Emirate Council is here to present a passionate letter from His Royal Highness to the Management of KEDCO and to further discuss the challenges facing the community with a view to finding lasting solution to the epileptic power supply to the Emirate and its environs”

The Permanent Secretary who enumerated some of the consequences of irregular power supply which includes: job losses, potential collapse of small and medium businesses as well as increase in criminal activities, appealed to the company to improve on its public sensitization as well as introduce appropriate revenue accounting techniques by identifying and closing all leakages.

He further urged the Management of the Company to make adequate provision of meters for the Community and also ensure Company and Community relations through the creation of working groups to liaise with its local staff for prompt performance reports.

The Dallatun Yauri who thanked the Management for the warm reception accorded them, assured that the Emirate on its part will not only sensitize its people on the need for regular payment of their bills but also ensure continuous effective collaborative relationship.

He explained that the effort will also provide permanent solutions to the challenges identified.

Responding, the Managing Director, KEDCO, called on the Emirate to encourage their citizens on prompt payment of bills to enable the Company generate more energy for distribution.

While calling on the Council to discourage its subjects from indulging in illegal connection and distribution of electricity, hethanked the His Royal Highness for his outstanding leadership quality and assured that the Company will continue to partner with them, not only improved cordial relationship but also for effective power supply.

Members of the delegation include: Alh. Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa (Katukan Yauri), Managing Director, HYPPADEC; Hon. Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu – Member, House of Representatives, and Alh. Rilwan Hussein Abarshi, Chief Executive Officer/ Principal Consultant, RHA Consulting.

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