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Tag: NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION

  • Change of Baton at NPC as Aminu Yusuf replaces Kwarra

    Change of Baton at NPC as Aminu Yusuf replaces Kwarra

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced a leadership change as Muhammad Usman Dattijo takes over from Nasir Isa Kwarra as the acting Executive Chairman pending when Aminu Yusuf shall assume duties as the substantive head.

    In a statement issued by Mrs. Samiat Olabimpe Lawal, Director of Public Affairs, following the conclusion of his tenure on October 28, 2025, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, has assumed office as Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission.

    Mr. Dattijo will oversee the affairs of the Commission pending the formal swearing-in of Hon. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), who has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the substantive Chairman of the Commission.

    In the statement, Mrs. Lawal reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and sustaining ongoing digital reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s demographic management system.

    The outgoing Chairman was appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his term was attributed with institutional renewal and technological transformation.

    It was also stated that his tenure was identified by professionalism, strategic focus, and a clear vision that repositioned the Commission as a data-driven institution committed to evidence-based national planning.

    Precisely, the NPC was reported to have made some strides in the areas of census preparedness, digital mapping, and geo-spatial innovation.

    According to the statement, these strides laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s first-ever Digital Population and Housing Census.

    Also attributed to Hon Kwarra’s time in office were the implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system and the National Geo-Referenced Infrastructure Geo-Spatial Data Repository, which collectively modernized Nigeria’s demographic data architecture and enhanced data-driven decision-making at all levels of governance.

    Hon. Kwarra also strengthened inter-agency coordination and cultivated partnerships with key international development organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

    The NPC, during his term equally prioritized staff welfare, capacity development, and institutional accountability, promoting a culture of innovation, professionalism, and service excellence within the Commission.

    The appointment of Hon. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the Commission, it was stated has been confirmed by the Senate, and his assumption of duty will commence officially upon his inauguration by the President.

  • Nigeria National Census: President Tinubu to Establish Committee

    Nigeria National Census: President Tinubu to Establish Committee

    On Monday, Nigeria made significant progress towards conducting a new national population and housing census, which will include biometric and digital elements. 

    The last national census was held in November 2006.

    During a meeting at the Statehouse with officials from the National Population Commission (NPC), President Bola Tinubu announced plans to form a committee to align the census budget with the country’s current financial situation.

     He emphasized the need for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to be involved in the review process.

    The president explained that having an accurate census is crucial for effective planning in areas such as employment, agriculture, and food security. 

    He noted that without reliable data, managing national challenges would be difficult. He also expressed his commitment to ensuring that the census results would support development efforts and improve social security in Nigeria.

    The NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, along with other members of the commission, updated the president on the preparations for the census.

     President Tinubu pointed out that government programs like fertilizer distribution could be more effective if they were based on reliable data.

    The president further suggested that biometric identification, including facial and voice recognition, should be a central part of the process. 

    He stressed that the government must first solidify its financial capacity before seeking support from development partners.

    In his comments, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, noted that census data would be essential for future planning and resource distribution. 

    He reminded the president of his commitment to the census, highlighting the financial challenges faced in funding it. He also shared that development partners had funded 40 percent of the 2006 census.

    Efforts to connect various identity and data agencies, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the NIMC, are ongoing.

     These agencies are working together to assess available data and optimize resources.

    NPC Chairman Kwarra reminded the president that the data from the last census is outdated and no longer relevant for current planning. 

    He also mentioned that 760,000 tablets have been secured and stored at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the new census.

  • Nigeria to Conduct Population Census in 2025

    Nigeria to Conduct Population Census in 2025

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has revealed plans to hold Nigeria’s next population and housing census in 2025, nearly two decades after the previous count in 2006. 

    Nasir Kwarra, the NPC chairman, shared the update during the 2024 Nairobi Summit anniversary in Abuja, addressing the need for accurate data to support better decision-making. 

    Kwarra acknowledged the challenges posed by the long delay, which have impacted resource distribution and policy planning.

     The census was initially set for 2023 but was postponed to allow the incoming government to manage the process. 

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    He emphasized the importance of timely data in tackling issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive health, and rural development.

    The upcoming census is seen as crucial for addressing gaps in healthcare, education, and economic development, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and youth. 

    Kwarra also stressed that access to sexual and reproductive health rights is not just a healthcare issue but a matter of social and economic equality.

    Toyin Saraki, founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, expressed support for ongoing advocacy and called for greater collaboration across sectors to advance the goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).