A storm is brewing over Nigeria’s suspended 2023 population census after civic tech organisation BudgIT Foundation, through its accountability platform Tracka, revealed that N129.5 billion was disbursed for the exercise with no results to show.
At the centre of the controversy is the National Population Commission, which has come under intense scrutiny for failing to provide answers on how the funds were utilised.
Billions Spent, No Data Delivered
Nigeria last conducted a credible census in 2006. Two decades later, Africa’s most populous nation still lacks updated population data, a gap that experts say has far reaching consequences for planning, governance and development.
Governance in the Dark: Power, Promises, and the Quiet Collapse of Accountability
Tracka’s findings show that between February 2022 and December 2023, huge sums were paid out for the now suspended census, including:
- N118.38 billion for digital devices and accessories
- N2.47 billion for Hilux vehicles
- N499.8 million for power banks
- N106.19 million for an e recruitment portal
Despite these expenditures, no enumeration results have been published.
FOI Request Ignored, Law Allegedly Breached
In a bid to get answers, Tracka filed a formal request under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 on February 19, 2026, demanding full disclosure of funds, contractors, deliverables and timelines.
Although the request was acknowledged on March 2, the commission has yet to respond, more than three weeks later.
Under Nigerian law, public institutions are required to respond within seven days, placing the commission in what Tracka describes as a clear violation.
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Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers
According to Tracka, the implications of Nigeria’s missing census go far beyond statistics.
Without accurate population data:
- Schools remain overcrowded due to poor planning
- Hospitals are underfunded and overstretched
- Federal allocations are based on outdated figures
- Social programmes miss vulnerable citizens
- Electoral representation is built on obsolete data
In essence, the absence of credible data continues to distort governance across sectors.
Calls for Probe and Public Hearing
Tracka is now demanding urgent action from multiple institutions, including:
- Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate the spending
- Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to review procurement processes
- National Assembly of Nigeria to convene a public hearing
The group also wants the National Population Commission to publish a full account of all funds spent and provide a clear timeline for completing the census.
A Bigger Governance Question
Beyond the figures, the controversy is fast becoming a symbol of a deeper governance challenge, one where billions can be spent, projects stalled and institutions remain silent without consequences.
For many Nigerians, the question is no longer just about the census.
It is about trust.
And until answers are provided, that trust remains on the line.
