Dr. Aminu Yusuf officially began his tenure as the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) on Wednesday, vowing to deliver a transparent and technologically advanced national census that will guide Nigeria's development.
A Mandate for National Renewal
Speaking at the commission's headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave him and the newly sworn-in commissioners a clear and purposeful charge. The President's directive was to rebuild public confidence, modernise Nigeria's demographic systems, and execute a credible national census. Yusuf emphasised that this exercise must go beyond merely counting people to actively shaping policies, driving development, and guiding the nation's destiny.
He described the President's words as a profound call to national renewal and thanked him for the trust placed in the new leadership. "This trust is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, one I pledge to uphold with unwavering dedication," Yusuf stated.
Building on a Legacy, Expanding the Vision
Dr. Yusuf paid tribute to his predecessor, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, acknowledging his visionary leadership which strengthened the NPC's institutional foundations. He outlined that the commission's mandate is broader than just conducting a census.
The NPC is also responsible for maintaining a robust Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, developing a National Geospatial Frame, conducting specialised surveys, and providing evidence-based population advice to the government. The new chairman stressed that achieving these goals requires the collective effort of all federal commissioners, the Director-General, management, and staff.
A Seven-Point Agenda for Transformation
To steer this transformation, Dr. Yusuf announced a strategic Seven-Point Agenda designed to fortify the commission. His immediate priority is to strengthen the NPC's internal foundations to foster synergy across all departments and state offices.
The agenda aims to:
- Enhance internal capacity.
- Restore public confidence in the commission's work.
- Position the NPC as a modern, globally competitive institution.
This roadmap is set to ensure the delivery of the reliable demographic data crucial for Nigeria's national development planning, as pledged by the new chairman upon assuming duty on December 4, 2024.
