Tinubu Rejects ₦942 Billion Census Budget, Proposes Use of NYSC Members

President Bola Tinubu has declined approval for the proposed ₦942 billion budget allocated for the upcoming national census, suggesting instead that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) be utilized to conduct the exercise. This decision is part of the administration’s broader strategy to implement cost-saving measures amidst fiscal constraints.

The initial budget proposal, presented by the National Population Commission (NPC), outlined comprehensive plans for a nationwide census, including extensive training programs, procurement of advanced technological equipment, and deployment logistics across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas. However, President Tinubu expressed concerns over the substantial financial implications, emphasizing the need for prudence in public expenditure.

In lieu of the proposed budget, the President recommended leveraging the existing structure of the NYSC, a program that annually mobilizes thousands of Nigerian graduates for national service. By engaging corps members in the census process, the government anticipates significant reductions in operational costs, as the NYSC infrastructure can support training and deployment without necessitating additional large-scale investments.

This approach aligns with practices in other countries where national service personnel have been effectively integrated into large-scale governmental projects. Proponents argue that NYSC members, being young, educated, and dispersed nationwide, are well-positioned to undertake the responsibilities associated with data collection for the census.