By Joel Ajayi
The newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), has officially assumed office with a strong commitment to reposition the Commission, strengthen its internal systems, and deliver a credible, technology-driven national census that will serve as a foundation for Nigeria’s development planning.
Speaking during his first official address at the NPC headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting him what he described as a sacred national responsibility.
He also acknowledged the confidence reposed in the two newly sworn-in Federal Commissioners representing Nasarawa and Yobe States, noting that their appointments reflect the President’s trust in integrity and competence.
Dr. Yusuf described President Tinubu’s charge at the swearing-in ceremony as clear, purposeful and inspiring.
According to him, the President emphasized the need to rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s demographic systems, modernize the Commission’s operations, and deliver a transparent, digital and globally acceptable census.
He noted that the next census must not merely count people but must guide national planning, influence economic development, and shape Nigeria’s future.
He paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, whose leadership, he said, significantly advanced the nation’s demographic governance and laid a solid foundation for institutional growth. However, Dr. Yusuf stressed that the work ahead requires collective effort and full cooperation from all Commissioners, the Director-General, management and staff, as the mandates of the NPC are vast, strategic, and deeply transformative.
He highlighted that beyond conducting censuses, the Commission is responsible for maintaining a robust Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, building and preserving the national geospatial framework, executing specialized surveys, and supplying government with evidence-based data to inform policy decisions.
To reposition the Commission, Dr. Yusuf unveiled a Seven-Point Agenda—a detailed strategic roadmap designed to restore public confidence, strengthen institutional capacity and modernize Nigeria’s demographic infrastructure.
The NPC Chairman pledged to deepen engagements with governors, local councils, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, academia, private sector players, and global development partners such as UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO. He said the Commission will embark on extensive public enlightenment campaigns and technical roundtables to build trust and heighten national awareness.
Dr. Yusuf affirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a fully digital, biometrically verified Population and Housing Census. He assured Nigerians that every stage—from Enumeration Area Demarcation to field operations and Post-Enumeration Surveys—will meet global standards and reflect transparency, accuracy and professionalism.
Dr. Yusuf announced a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s birth and death registration system. With over 4,000 registration centres set for expansion and digitization, the NPC will collaborate with NIMC, health institutions, states and local governments to achieve near-universal civil registration.
He further revealed plans to modernize Nigeria’s migration tracking system, enabling accurate assessment of internal movements, labour migration and demographic pressures crucial for national planning, urban development and security.
Fast-tracking the completion of the delayed NPC headquarters is now an urgent priority. State and local government offices will be rehabilitated, while nationwide ICT systems will be upgraded to meet 21st-century data management standards.
The Chairman pledged to reposition the NPC as Nigeria’s foremost demographic think tank. This includes revitalizing the Commission’s research departments, strengthening national surveys and enhancing data integrity. “No policy should be driven by guesswork again,” he declared.
Dr. Yusuf emphasized the need for accurate projections in fertility, mortality, urbanization and migration to guide decisions on schools, hospitals, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure.
He stressed that staff welfare is non-negotiable, promising merit-based progression, continuous training, stricter ethics enforcement and a work environment driven by professionalism and accountability.
As he concluded, Dr. Yusuf called for discipline, teamwork and patriotic commitment, pledging to elevate the NPC into a globally respected institution anchored on integrity, innovation and excellence.
He prayed for God’s guidance as the Commission ushers in a new era for Nigeria’s demographic future.
