A civic technology organisation, Tracka, has questioned the whereabouts of N129.5 billion allegedly spent on Nigeria’s suspended population census, demanding detailed explanations from the National Population Commission (NPC).
In a report accompanied by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made public on Wednesday via its official X account, Tracka asked why Nigeria remains without updated demographic data despite substantial spending between February 2022 and December 2023.
Tracka said its tracking showed that N129.5 billion was released for various census-related activities within the period, prompting what it described as a straightforward demand for accountability.
“Between February 2022 and December 2023, we tracked that ₦129.5bn was paid for different activities related to the conduct of the truncated population census. So our simple question: Where did the money go?” the organisation stated.
According to Tracka, a formal letter was written to NPC Chairman Nasir Isa Kwarra on March 2, 2026, requesting a breakdown of the spending.
The group claimed it had received no response as of the time the report was released.
The FOI request, dated February 19, 2026, and signed by Tracka’s head, Osiemi Joshua, sought detailed information on the total amount released for the suspended 2023 census, including dates of payments, beneficiaries such as contractors and consultants, and the deliverables tied to each expenditure.
READ ALSO: Women Form Vigilante Group to Tackle Crime in Jos
Tracka disclosed that its independent analysis indicated large sums were allocated to items such as N118.38 billion for personal digital assistants and accessories, N2.47 billion for Hilux vehicles, N499.8 million for power banks, and N106.19 million for an e-recruitment portal.
Despite these outlays, it said, the status and outcomes of the census exercise remain unclear.
The organisation warned that the lack of reliable population data continues to undermine governance and public service delivery, affecting sectors such as education, healthcare and development planning.
Tracka also called for investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the National Assembly of Nigeria into the use of the funds.
“N₦129.5bn is public money and Nigerians deserve answers. A country cannot plan its future without knowing its people,” the group said, urging public support for accountability under the hashtag #publicfundsmustworkforthegoodofthepeople.
In addition, the FOI letter requested access to monitoring and audit reports, clarification on the current status of the census project, and any revised timelines for its completion.
Notably, the 2023 national population census was postponed by the Federal Government, leaving Nigeria without updated demographic data nearly two decades after the last headcount.
Nigeria’s last successful census was conducted in 2006.