Shehu Sani Slams NPC’s ₦1 Trillion Census Budget as “Madness”
Former federal lawmaker and social critic, Shehu Sani, has strongly criticized the National Population Commission (NPC) for requesting nearly ₦1 trillion to conduct a national census. Describing the request as “madness,” Sani questioned the rationale behind such a hefty budget, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges and competing priorities.
The NPC’s budget proposal, which was submitted to the National Assembly, has sparked widespread debate among stakeholders, with many expressing concerns about the cost and timing of the census.
Shehu Sani’s Criticism
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Shehu Sani expressed disbelief at the NPC’s request, describing it as excessive and ill-timed. He argued that the funds could be better utilized to address pressing national issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure development.
“Requesting nearly ₦1 trillion for a census at this time is nothing short of madness. How can we justify such an enormous expenditure when millions of Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet? This is a clear case of misplaced priorities,” Sani said.
The former lawmaker also questioned the NPC’s ability to manage such a large budget effectively, citing past instances of mismanagement and inefficiency in government agencies. He called for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of public funds.
NPC’s Justification
The NPC has defended its budget proposal, stating that the funds are necessary to conduct a comprehensive and accurate census that will provide critical data for national planning and development. The commission emphasized the importance of the census in addressing issues such as population growth, resource allocation, and infrastructure development.
However, critics like Shehu Sani argue that the timing and cost of the census are inappropriate, given the current economic realities in the country. They have called for a review of the budget and the exploration of cost-effective alternatives, such as leveraging technology and existing data sources.
Broader Implications
The controversy over the NPC’s budget highlights the challenges of balancing competing priorities in a resource-constrained environment. While the census is undoubtedly important for national planning, the high cost has raised concerns about its feasibility and impact on other critical sectors.
The debate also underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in government spending. Stakeholders are calling for a thorough review of the NPC’s budget and the adoption of measures to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively.
Calls for Prudent Spending
Shehu Sani’s criticism has resonated with many Nigerians, who are increasingly concerned about the rising cost of governance and the impact on the economy. There is a growing demand for prudent spending and the prioritization of projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people.
“We cannot continue to spend recklessly while our people suffer. The government must prioritize projects that address the immediate needs of the people and ensure that every naira is accounted for,” Sani said.
Looking Ahead
As the National Assembly reviews the NPC’s budget proposal, stakeholders are calling for a transparent and inclusive process that takes into account the views of all Nigerians. The outcome of the review will have significant implications for the country’s development agenda and its ability to address pressing challenges.
For now, Shehu Sani’s outspoken criticism has brought the issue to the forefront of national discourse, prompting a much-needed conversation about the cost of governance and the need for accountability in public spending.
