The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to suspend the proposed population census.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by a member, Barwa Shehu of Niger State.
In his motion, Shehu argued that conducting a census under the present insecurity challenge will produce inaccurate data, adding that several Nigerians have been displaced due to kidnappers.
He further warned that deploying census ad hoc staff to volatile regions is like giving bandits and kidnappers data to continue their criminal activities.
He therefore, called for the suspension of the census until the country is stabilized.
Shehu said; “Some displaced persons have crossed over to other neighbouring countries and cannot be captured.
“A large chunk of Nigerians are living under the siege of kidnappers.
“Posting ad hoc staff to volatile areas is like giving data to bandits and criminals. This will amount to a waste of resources.”
Adopting the motion on the floor, the “ayes” had it.