The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf, has tasked the newly inaugurated federal commissioners on strengthen preparations for Nigeria’s next population census and improve birth registration nationwide.
Welcoming the seven newly inaugurated federal commissioners in Abuja, Dr. Yusuf, noted that the new commissioners are taking office at a critical period in Nigeria’s demographic development.
Represented by the Commissioner representing Bayelsa, Mrs Vivian Izonfuo, Yusuf said: “My dear colleagues, your inauguration today comes at a critical period when the demand for accurate and reliable population data is greater than ever.
“As the commission continues to strengthen the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and prepares for the next census, your wealth of experience will be invaluable in supporting the realisation of these objectives for greater service delivery,” he said.
The chairman, who welcomed the commissioners representing Sokoto, Kwara, Bauchi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Jigawa and Katsina states into the commission’s leadership, stated that their appointments reflected the Nigerian President’s confidence in their competence, experience and commitment to national service.
Yusuf described the NPC as a strategic institution with constitutional responsibility for conducting population and housing censuses, civil registration and demographic surveys.
According to him, the commission serves as the principal adviser to the President on population-related matters and provides critical data required for national planning and sustainable development.
“The data and statistics generated by the commission provide a critical foundation for evidence-based policymaking, equitable resource allocation, infrastructure planning and the efficient delivery of social and economic services across the country.
“Consequently, the commission’s work remains indispensable to informed governance and the achievement of Nigeria’s development objectives,” he said.
Yusuf expressed confidence that the expertise and dedication of the new commissioners would further strengthen the commission’s capacity to deliver on its constitutional mandate.
Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Mr. Isiaka Yahaya, pledged their commitment to supporting the commission’s programmes and enhancing its national relevance.
He said that the commissioners had familiarised themselves with the commission’s achievements and challenges before assuming office.
“We are coming here well informed, not only of the numerous achievements the commission has recorded, but also some of the core challenges that you are facing.
“This is a very important national institution that deserves the support of every Nigerian and every government because we deal with information that has to do with the daily activities and welfare of the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Yahaya assured the management and staff of the commissioners’ readiness to work collaboratively toward achieving the commission’s constitutional mandate.
The commissioners had been formally inaugurated by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at a meeting of the Federal Executive Council before assuming duties at the commission.
GIK/APA