Outrage over $129.5 billion spent on failed census

…Tracka seeks urgent disclosure under the FOI Act

… complains about the lack of reliable population data since 2006

Daud Olatunji

A civic accountability group, Tracka, has expressed outrage over the alleged spending of $129.5 billion on Nigeria’s suspended 2023 national population census, describing the situation as a grave breach of public trust in the absence of published results.

The group, in a statement on Friday, said the development underlines Nigeria’s long-standing data deficit, noting that the country has not conducted a credible census since 2006, a gap that continues to undermine governance, planning and the equitable distribution of resources.

According to Tracka, analysis of government spending records revealed that approximately $118.38 billion was spent on personal digital assistants and accessories, while $2.47 billion was allocated to Hilux vehicles, in addition to other operational-related logistics and infrastructure costs.

Despite the significant financial commitment, the organization said the census was only partially implemented before it was suspended, with no official census results being released to Nigerians.

He described the situation as a clear failure of accountability, raising concerns about transparency and the value derived from such a massive public investment.

Tracka added that he had formally written to the National Commission on Population under the Freedom of Information Act of 2011, requesting a full breakdown of funds spent, results achieved and the current status of the census project.

However, the group expressed disappointment that, more than three weeks after the request was acknowledged, the commission has still provided no response, a delay which it says contravenes the provisions of the FOI Act.

The organization called for the immediate release of the requested information, insisting that transparency is essential to restore public trust in government institutions and ensure accountability in the management of public resources.

He further warned that Nigeria’s continued reliance on outdated demographic data poses serious risks to effective policy formulation, economic planning and equitable allocation of national resources in critical sectors.

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