Population Housing Census: Over 70,000 Ad-Hoc Staff Applied for 15,000 Readily Available slots In Nasarawa State.…As Federal Government Assures of Adequate Security.

by Michael Umudjon

The federal Government has assured residents and Ad-Hoc Staff of Nasarawa State, adequate security during the May 3rd-7th 2023 Population Census.

Federal commissioner representing Nasarawa State at the National Population Commission (NPC) and former state’s Deputy Governor Hon. Silas Ali Agara, made this known, Tuesday 18th April 2023 on Matters Arising, a public affairs programme on Option Radio Akwanga.

He added that the state government in partnership with various security agencies have mapped out strategies to secure all.

On the aspect of Ad-Hoc Staff needed for the census exercise, Hon Agara said 70,782 applied in Nasarawa State while the commission needs just 15,000 Enumerator Area Officers (EA’s) to cover the 12,572 Enumerated Area of Demarcation (EAD’s), thereby appealing to those still having “pending” issues on their dash board to be patient, making it clear that every individual wouldn’t be short listed, after the training and test .

He further disclosed that due to desperation of some applicants, over 7000 were defrauded by fake approvals on the internet, as such he appealed to applicants to be careful.

Giving some break down of those who applied in some LGA’s, he said over 6,600 from Akwanga while 509 is needed, 11,000 Lafia the state capital while 3,000 needed and Karu the states commercial capital 14,000 while 4,000 is needed.

On the speculation about religion or enthnicty being added to the questioners, Hon. Agara laughed over it saying such was not part of the questions, rather the commission want to ascertain the number of individuals and buildings to help government plan better, be it 5 years or 10 and above.

In terms of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and individuals seeking to travel back to there state of origin for capturing by the Enumerator Area officer (EA’s), he said the system has been programed in a way that the number would be added to the state where you work or display due to insecurity.

The federal commissioner representing Nasarawa State at the National Population Commission (NPC) and former state’s Deputy Governor Hon. Silas Ali Agara, used the time on radio, to appreciate Governor Abdullahi Sule, security agencies, EA’s , the media and everyone who would make the 2023 censor a success.