We have spent N21bn on mapping Nigeria ahead of 2023 census – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government has spent the sum of N21 billion on the mapping of the country into enumeration areas for the 2023 census.

Osinbajo disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at a breakfast meeting with partners on the 2023 Population and Housing Census.

The theme of the breakfast meeting organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with UNFPA is “Supporting a Transformational Census Process in Nigeria.’’

Osinbajo was represented by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President.

He said the federal government had so far approved the sum of 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; the 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.

“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.