Civic technology organisation Tracka has raised concerns over the disbursement of N129.5 billion linked to Nigeria’s suspended 2023 national population census, calling for urgent transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Nigeria’s last officially recognised census was conducted in 2006, and two decades later, Africa’s most populous nation is yet to produce updated population figures—an issue experts describe as a major governance and planning challenge.
According to Tracka, payments amounting to N129.5 billion were made to contractors and service providers between February 2022 and December 2023 for activities related to the planned census exercise. The exercise, however, was announced, partially mobilised and ultimately suspended without any enumeration results being released.
The organisation noted that the absence of credible population data continues to undermine effective policy formulation and service delivery across critical sectors.
It stressed that population data is central to national planning, affecting projections for education, healthcare, infrastructure and electoral processes. Without accurate figures, governments face challenges in allocating resources efficiently, leading to overcrowded classrooms, under-resourced health facilities and gaps in social services.
Tracka described the halted census as more than a technical setback, warning that it reflects deeper institutional and governance concerns where large-scale public expenditures may occur without corresponding accountability.
The group called on relevant authorities to provide a detailed account of funds disbursed for the census and to clarify the status of the project, insisting that transparency is essential to restoring public trust.
It further emphasised that credible population data remains critical to Nigeria’s development planning and democratic processes, urging stakeholders to prioritise accountability and ensure that future census efforts are conducted transparently and effectively.
