Census risks postponement over funding, logistic problems
Twelve days before the start of the census of the country’s population and housing, uncertainty continues to follow the estimated number and there is evidence that it may move because of money and problems others.
Census risks postponement over funding, logistic problems
It was heard on Friday that the National Population Commission may postpone more figures as it struggles to secure the necessary funds. At the beginning of March, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Clem Agba, revealed that the federal government intends to set up a fund to collect donations for the 2023 population.
He made this known when he interacted at the highest level to get support for the population in Abuja. Agba said that a total of 869 billion naira is required for the figure, adding that the government has given him 291.5 billion naira of which another 327.2 billion naira is required.
The minister said: “The total amount required (including the completed census program) is 869 billion naira ($1.88): population demand – 626 billion naira ($1.36) dollars), or about $6 per capita (less than the increase threshold). to $5 per capita); after the calculation (to 2025) is 243 billion naira ($527 million). βSo far, the government has invested 291.5 billion naira ($632 million) for the number, making it 46 percent of the total amount. An additional (immediate) 327.2 billion naira ($709.9) is needed to complete the calculation.
Agba also said that the census was supposed to be done last year but it was postponed to March 2023 but it was proposed to be done in May.
He said: βThe last census in Nigeria was in 2006. In 2014, the previous government proposed another census for the year 2016 as per the UN recommendations for a decennial census.
βHowever, this government went on in 2015 without fulfilling the demand. From 2015 to 2016, the country entered a recession due to the fall in oil prices and production.
βIn the year 2018/2019, the government re-engaged in making this count. In 2020, exercise plans were disrupted by COVID-19. The figure was postponed to March 2023, but is now scheduled to be held in May 2023. In 2021/2022, funds have been allocated for census. This figure was originally intended for 2022, but was moved to 2023 after the election.
The figure was later withdrawn from May 3 to May 5, 2023, meaning it was transferred twice under the administration of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired).
Additional funds raised will be managed by the United Nations Population Fund, which also provides technical and financial support to APN. The minister asked members of the private sector to donate money or to buy some items needed for the scale.
However, it seems that the central government and the company are struggling to raise the necessary funds, Saturday PUNCH learnt.
It was learned on Friday that no new date has been set for the training of adhoc officers at the local government level, as the program originally planned for last week was postponed. Also, last week on Tuesday, about 467 NPC ad hoc workers in Bauchi state took to the streets to protest alleged non-payment of salaries.
The spokesperson for the workers at the time, Abbas Adamu, speaking to the NPC state director said: βWe have done our work, but we have not received our due salary. βOn behalf of the NPC 2023 Census ad hoc campaign staff, who participated as special services and sponsors for the upcoming 2023 census program, we are here to inform the committee that we, in this list combined, no remuneration for the training provided. at Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, from 23rd January to 5th February for special projects and actors.
In response, the State Director of Administration, NPC, Hudu Baballe said, “I have listened to all your complaints and grievances and they are all being considered. I have received the letter, which will be forwarded to the commission and the head National office in Abuja.
In February of this year, the NPC released a salary schedule and full-time employment for their employees, who will be involved in the planning of the population and housing.
Compensation is divided into two categories: rights and salaries.
Under the category of salaries, according to the Director of Statistics, Mrs. Evelyn Olanipekun, ad hoc workers will receive three types of salaries, namely; Food assistance: (a) Special services – N2,000 per day x 13 days (three days of SWF and 10 days of public training). However, states that have not registered for the first three days are exempt. A total of N26,000. (b) State sponsors: N2,000 per person, per day x 10 days. Total: N20,000
For transportation fee, it is N20,000 per person. Training Grant: (a) Teacher: N15,000 per day x 13 (SWF) and 10 (State Facilitator) (b) Teacher: N10,000 per day x 13 (SWF) and 10 (State Facilitator) .
The commission said that there will be double payment for all departments as follows: transport and food: N46,000 (SWF), N40,000 (state providers). Scholarship: Teacher (SWF) – N195,000; teacher β N130,000; State trainers (assistants) -N150,000; trainees – 100,000.
He added that the above funds will also apply to other departments such as librarians and supervisors, but with a short number of training days and a slight reduction in the amount. On average, the total salary for skilled workers, programmers, librarians, supervisors and other census workers ranges from N50,000 to N100,000.
The NPC said that the salary of the ad hoc workers will be paid after the calculation. The average basic or basic salary for any accountant is between N50,000 and N250,000, depending on the position.
He summarized the salaries and wages of those working in the office as follows: programmers – N150,000 to N300,000; field coordinator – N140,000 to N280,000; Assistants/Road Assured β N130,000 to N280,000; supervisor – N130,000 to N230,000; enumerator – N100,000 to N220,000; Monitoring and evaluation officer – N150,000 to N300,000.
Earlier in March this year, the federal government also expressed concern about the financial impact and insecurity in the economy.
Agba made this known while holding a meeting with members of the private sector and development organizations in Abuja. One of the goals of the meeting is to find out how to find the money for the program, the minister said that more than 60% of the money needed for the calculation has been provided.
According to him, the financial assistance of the development partners is still important, the chairman of the committee promised that APN will manage the money in a transparent way. Regarding insecurity, the commission allayed fears that the program would not take place in some cities, but there were pockets of security when the NPC conducted zoning in some cities.
The rescheduling of the local government level training of supervisors and educators scheduled for April 13 is also expected to affect the chances of the census to be held in May.
Saturday PUNCH could not confirm on Friday whether the software requested by the AFN to do the calculations has been purchased while officials of the committee declined to comment on the matter and other matters related to the statistics.
When contacted, the Director of Public Information, NPC, Isiaka Yahaya, said that no date has been set for the training of local government officials and declined to answer other questions. .
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the NPC Chairman, Azeez Olasunkanmi refused to comment on the matter and referred our correspondent Yahaya. Yahaya said last week: “The suspended training will start soon. We will suspend it so that the investigators are properly trained. One of the reasons for the suspension is that personal digital assistants have not been assigned to the LGAs where the training will take place. These tools must be available so that people can be properly trained. Soon, training will begin.
βOh yes, all our PDAs are bought and sorted. The commissioner has installed these devices in the state capital. Now, they have been included in local government areas. βIn terms of weapons, many of our workers do not want to go to other states to live where they live.
βSo far, none of our staff has been kidnapped and we have not recorded any dead. The only time our workers were kidnapped was in Borno State during the EAD; they were released immediately with the help of the community.
Saturday PUNCH understands that the NPC chairman, Nasir Kwara, and other senior members of the committee are investigating the situation and may advise the president to postpone the census during the Sallah holiday.
Leave a Reply