The National Population Commission (NPC) has uncovered a fake recruitment website claiming to hire ad-hoc staff for the upcoming 2025 Population and Housing Census. This fraudulent platform, designed to swindle unsuspecting citizens, has raised serious concerns as the nation prepares for a much-needed update of its population data.
In an urgent statement issued by the NPC’s Director of Public Affairs, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba, the Commission clarified that no recruitment process for census staff is currently underway. The warning comes as the deceptive website—https://qpetition.org/NPC-Ad-Hoc-Staff-Recruitment.html—circulates online, enticing Nigerians with promises of paid work in the census exercise.
“The attention of the National Population Commission has been drawn to a fake website created by some mischief makers, purporting to recruit staff for the 2025 Population and Housing Census,” said Oloruntoba. “We want to make it clear that there is no recruitment process at this time. This site is a scam, and we urge all Nigerians to ignore it.”
The fraudulent site, which mimics the official NPC recruitment page, has gained traction on social media, making it appear legitimate to many. However, the NPC was quick to dispel any confusion, emphasizing that the official process for recruiting ad-hoc staff will only commence after the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, announces the official date for the census.
Oloruntoba assured the public that when the recruitment begins, it will be publicly announced through national media outlets, the NPC’s social media platforms, and its official website. She further emphasized that Nigerians should remain vigilant and be wary of any online offers that seem too good to be true, especially those connected to an unverified website.
“We implore the general public to disregard this fake website and its misleading claims,” Oloruntoba stated. “The National Population Commission takes no responsibility for any losses incurred by individuals who fall victim to this scam.”
As the country braces for the long-awaited 2025 census, there is mounting pressure to ensure the process is transparent, accurate, and trustworthy. Nigeria’s last census, conducted in 2006, estimated the national population at around 140 million. With almost two decades passing since that count, an updated census is critical for strategic national planning and policy-making.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, recently voiced strong support for the upcoming census, underscoring its importance in fostering informed decisions for national development. “An accurate census is essential to the success of Nigeria’s future growth,” Abbas noted. “It will help in better allocation of resources, aid in strategic development planning, and enhance the country’s position on the global stage.”
However, as the NPC pushes ahead with preparations, funding has emerged as a significant challenge. The Commission’s budget remains insufficient to fully cover the costs of a modern biometric census, which will incorporate advanced technology to ensure accuracy and reduce human error. In light of this, the NPC is exploring alternative funding sources, including the possibility of tapping into the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
The financial constraints have raised concerns about the viability of conducting a fully biometric census. Experts suggest that without adequate resources, the integrity of the census could be compromised, which would have serious implications for future planning.
“The lack of adequate funding for the 2025 census is a significant concern,” said Dr. Adebayo Shittu, a policy analyst. “We need a comprehensive census that uses cutting-edge technology to give us an accurate count. Without proper funding, we risk repeating the mistakes of past censuses.”
The NPC has assured the public that despite the financial hurdles, it remains committed to ensuring that the 2025 census is conducted with the utmost integrity and professionalism. The Commission has also sought the support of international partners and organizations to help bolster the funding required for the operation.
In the meantime, as Nigeria waits for further developments on the census, the Commission’s alert regarding the fraudulent website has served as a critical reminder for Nigerians to remain cautious of online scams. The public has been urged to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the authorities and avoid providing personal information to fraudulent websites.
This warning serves as a cautionary tale as Nigeria prepares to embark on one of its most significant national exercises in recent years. The census, once it takes place, will be pivotal in shaping the country’s future, providing a much-needed tool for policymakers to address pressing challenges in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and more.
