Tinubu’s New NPC Chairman, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, Sets Bold Agenda for Data Reform and Digital Census

By Iyojo Ameh

The newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), on Wednesday formally assumed office in Abuja, pledging sweeping institutional reforms and a renewed commitment to delivering credible, technology-driven demographic data for Nigeria.

Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters during his inaugural address, Dr. Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for entrusting him and two newly sworn-in Federal Commissioners from Nasarawa and Yobe States with the mandate to strengthen Nigeria’s population management system.

He said President Tinubu’s charge during the swearing-in ceremony underscored the need to “rebuild confidence, modernize demographic systems and deliver a credible, transparent and technology-driven national census.” The President’s message, he noted, was “a call to national renewal.”

Dr. Yusuf also paid tribute to his predecessor, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, whom he described as a visionary leader whose contributions laid strong foundations for the Commission.

Dr. Yusuf announced a comprehensive Seven-Point Agenda designed to reposition the NPC as a globally competitive, modern institution. He stressed that the transformation of the Commission would rely on collective effort from Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, management, and staff.

The Chairman emphasized deepening engagement with state and local governments, traditional rulers, civil society, media, the private sector and international partners including UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and bilateral agencies.

He said the Commission would implement extensive advocacy, technical roundtables and a new stakeholder engagement framework to align national goals with population data needs.

Dr. Yusuf reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering a digital, biometrically verified census aligned with UN standards.
He assured Nigerians that every phase—logistics, Enumeration Area Demarcation, field operations, Post-Enumeration Survey (PES)—would be executed with precision and transparency.

“This census will be a national asset for sustainable development planning,” he said.

He also stated that the Commission will transition to a fully digital CRVS system across all communities, including remote areas. Collaboration will be strengthened with the health sector, NIMC, state governments and traditional institutions.

Dr. Yusuf also announced plans to modernize Nigeria’s migration tracking system to improve accuracy in monitoring population movements, labour trends and security-related demographics.

Completing the new NPC headquarters, he said, is an immediate priority.
State and local government offices will also undergo refurbishment, alongside major upgrades to ICT systems to meet global standards.

The Chairman pledged to elevate NPC into Nigeria’s foremost demographic think tank by improving the credibility of surveys, revitalizing research departments and strengthening partnerships with academic and global research institutions.

“Guesswork has no place in modern development planning,” he said. “Our data must speak with clarity and authority.”

Dr. Yusuf highlighted Nigeria’s “profound demographic transformation” driven by urbanization, shifting fertility trends, migration and a growing youth population.

He said the Commission would provide government with timely analyses, projections and policy guidance to support decisions on education, health, housing, infrastructure and economic planning.

While calling staff welfare “the very foundation of effective service,” Dr. Yusuf pledged merit-based career growth, continuous training, modern administrative tools and improved working conditions.

“A motivated workforce is an asset; a neglected workforce is a liability we cannot afford,” he noted.

Dr. Yusuf assured that under his leadership, the NPC will produce data that is scientifically sound, transparently generated and reflective of Nigeria’s complex demographic realities.

“Our mandate is too important to be handled casually,” he said, adding that the Commission’s processes would be guided by integrity, accountability and strict adherence to international best practices.
He equally called for unity and professionalism from the Commission’s staff, stressing that the credibility of Nigeria’s demographic future depended on their collective effort.

“Producing reliable demographic data is not merely a technical exercise; it is a national duty,” he said. “Together, we will build a Commission that future generations will look upon with pride.”

He prayed for God’s guidance and blessings upon the NPC and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.