New NPC Chair Pledges Credible Census, Stronger Data Systems

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf has pledged to deliver a credible, technology-driven national census and strengthen Nigeria’s demographic data systems.

Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his appointment, as well as the two newly sworn-in Federal Commissioners representing Nasarawa and Yobe States.

Yusuf described the President’s charge during their swearing-in as a call to rebuild public confidence, modernise demographic processes and deliver a census that would guide Nigeria’s development priorities.

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, noting that the former chairman laid a strong institutional foundation that the new administration would build upon.

Yusuf further emphasised that the success of the Commission’s mandate would require the collective commitment of Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, management and staff.

Unveiling a Seven-Point Agenda to guide his tenure, the chairman said the Commission would deepen stakeholder engagement across all levels of government, traditional institutions, civil society, development partners and the private sector.

The new chairman assured that the NPC would also intensify advocacy and strengthen collaborations with agencies such as the UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and other bilateral partners.

On census preparation, Yusuf reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering a modern, digital, and biometrically verified Population and Housing Census that meets international standards.

He pledged diligence at every stage of the exercise—from enumeration area updates and logistics deployment to quality assurance and the Post-Enumeration Survey.

Yusuf also announced plans to fully digitise the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system to ensure nationwide accessibility, expand registration centres, and strengthen collaboration with the health sector, state and local governments, and identity management agencies.

According to him, migration tracking systems will be modernised to support national planning, security strategy and labour forecasting.

On infrastructure, Yusuf said completing the new NPC headquarters and upgrading state and local government offices remain priorities, alongside improving ICT capacity and modernising work tools across the Commission.

The chairman also highlighted improved data quality, enhanced national surveys, and stronger research outputs as key areas of focus.

He said Nigeria’s development planning must be anchored on reliable demographic data, not assumptions.

He further outlined plans for strategic population management, explaining that Nigeria’s demographic shifts—such as rapid urbanisation, changing fertility patterns and increased migration—require timely analysis to guide government decisions on health, education, housing, transportation and agriculture.

Yusuf emphasised that institutional strengthening and staff welfare would be central to the Commission’s progress, noting that no agency can outperform the competence and morale of its workforce.

He pledged continuous training, merit-based progression and a culture of professionalism and accountability.

In a brief, off-script remark, the chairman reminded staff that he views himself as a servant leader, committed to teamwork and field-driven action.

He urged commissioners and directors to prepare for intensive engagement with stakeholders and resource mobilisation efforts, saying the Commission must work proactively to achieve its mandate.

Yusuf, whom the newly sworn-in commissioners accompanied, pledged to lead a Commission that is transparent, professional and fully committed to providing Nigeria with reliable demographic data for development planning.