DR. AMINU YUSUF PLEDGES REFORMS AS HE ASSUMES OFFICE AS NPC CHAIRMAN

The new Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), has pledged to reposition the Commission as a globally respected data institution anchored on integrity, technology, and professionalism.

Speaking during his inaugural address at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja today, 3rd December 2025, Dr. Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Commission.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Yusuf was sworn in as the 8th substantive Chairman of the NPC, alongside two Honourable Federal Commissioners; Hon. Joseph Haruna Kigbu (Nasarawa State) and Hon. Tonga Betara Bularafa (Yobe State). The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the President at the State House, Abuja. Following the ceremony, Dr. Yusuf received his letter of appointment from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation before proceeding to the NPC Headquarters to formally assume duty.

On arrival at the Commission, Dr. Yusuf and the two new Federal Commissioners were accorded a rousing welcome by the Honourable Federal Commissioners, management, and staff of the NPC.

In his address, Dr. Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to President Tinubu’s directive to rebuild public confidence, modernize demographic systems, and deliver a credible, technology-driven population and housing census.

“Our mission cannot be achieved by one person alone,” he stated. “Its success depends on the collective commitment of all Commissioners, management, and staff of the Commission.”

Dr. Yusuf unveiled a Seven-Point Agenda, which he described as a strategic framework for repositioning the NPC. The agenda focuses on Stakeholder Engagement and Public Confidence; Census Delivery; Digitization of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS); Infrastructure Completion and Upgrade; Data Quality, Research, and National Surveys; Strategic Population Management; Institutional Strengthening, Human Capital Development, and Staff Welfare

He emphasized that the Commission’s forthcoming census would be digital, biometrically verified, and credible, producing results that “will withstand scrutiny both at home and abroad.”

The new Chairman also announced plans to complete the NPC Headquarters project, strengthen state and local offices, and fully digitize Nigeria’s CRVS system to support national identity management and development planning.

Describing staff welfare as “central to institutional effectiveness,” Dr. Yusuf pledged to prioritize capacity building, merit-based promotions, and modern administrative tools to enhance staff motivation and overall service delivery.

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

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Yusuf reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to generating scientifically sound and transparently produced data that accurately reflects Nigeria’s demographic realities.

“Producing reliable demographic data is not merely a technical exercise; it is a national duty,” he declared. “We are fully prepared to fulfill that duty with honour.”

Dr. Yusuf prayed for divine guidance as the Commission embarks on a renewed journey towards delivering accurate demographic data for Nigeria’s sustainable development.

In his welcome address, the Acting Chairman, Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, formally presented handover notes to Dr. Yusuf, describing the occasion as “the beginning of a new era in the Commission.”

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Director-General of the NPC, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun, expressed appreciation to all dignitaries, staff, and stakeholders present.