Hunkuyi Tasks National Population Commission Ahead of Census 2018 Census to Cost FG N222 Billion

OBUTE JAMES

Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi, Senate Committee Chairman, on National Identity Card and National Population has tasked the leadership of National Population Commission, NPC ahead of the trial census in 2017 and actual census in 2018.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday during his committee’s visit to the National Secretariat of NPC to ascertain the level of preparedness of the commission ahead of the census scheduled for 2018, Hunkuyi challenge the commission to do everything within its constitutional power to conduct the census in 2018 as proposed.

He however lamented the condition of NPC permanent National secretariat which is still under completion.

The Chairman of National Population Commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma, had led the Senators to the permanent site of NPC as part of the oversight function of the Senate committee.

Hunkuyi however, expressed worry that despite the 100% payment to contractors handling the project, the building is yet to reach 70% completion after 10 years it was awarded.

Though, NPC boss said the company handling the project is seeking upward review of the contract, Hunkuyi said the contractors will be invited by its Committee to explain why it failed to complete the project after 100% payment of contract sum.

Earlier, in an open remark, Duruiheoma said the 2018 population census will cost Federal government N222 billion.

He said the trial census will come up in first quarter of 2017 while the actual census will come up in 2018.

Hunkuyi last week moved a motion calling on Mr President to make a proclamation for the 2018 Census.

Similarly, he expressed worry over the production and distribution of National Identity cards by the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC.

During the oversight visit the National headquarters of the agency and the tour of its facility, Hunkuyi called on the management of NIMC to come up with strategies that will enhance its performance.

Aliyu Aziz, Director General of NIMC led the lawmakers to the operational site of the commission.

The lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with NIMC over the number of Identity cards being produced and distributed when compared with the amount of money being spent on the exercise.