The National Population Commission (NPC) has pledged to be transparent in the recruitment of ad hoc staff for the conduct of the 2023 housing and population census.

NPC officially launched its e-recruitment portal to recruit ad hoc staff for the exercise last week.

Abdulmalik Duruguwa, the national commissioner in charge of Kaduna State, made this known while speaking with journalists in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area.

Mr Duruguwa said the application for recruitment was open to all Nigerians, including people with disabilities.

“As far as we are concerned, we are giving every Nigerian the opportunity to take part in this important national assignment.

“We welcome applications from all Nigerians, including civil servants and physically challenged persons.

“There will be no favouritism. If you apply online and you are qualified, you are qualified. You don’t have to know anybody,” he said.

The national commissioner urged interested applicants to apply in areas where they are residents and would be deployed accordingly.

He restated the commission’s resolve to conduct a full digital population census that would be acceptable by all.

“Since the last census in 2006, there have been a lot of demographic changes in the country.

“So, we have concluded arrangements to conduct a reliable and acceptable census that every Nigerian will be proud of,” he said.

He solicited the support and cooperation of Nigerians, noting that the census was key to national planning and development.

On the issue of security, Mr Duruguwa explained that proper arrangements were being put in place to guarantee the safety of all ad hoc staff recruited for exercise.

The population and housing census is scheduled for April 2023.

(NAN)