National Population Commission Abia State

THE ADVOCACY TEAM VISITS UMUOCHEALA COMMUNITY, AS THE MAYOR, ISIALA NGWA SOUTH RECEIVES THE ABIA MINI NDHS SURVEY TEAM.

27TH January, 2026 witnessed a well coordinated visitation of the members of Abia Mini-NDHS and the ADVOCACY team, led by the state Director; Mrs Joyce Uzoma Ogwurike, Prince Nwachukwu Ikenna (HoD PAD) and Mr. Udochukwu Anyanwu; (Personal Assistant to the HFC) to the Palace of the traditional ruler of UMUOCHEALA ancient Kingdom in isiala Ngwa South; HRH Eze Joseph Agomuo. The visit , which was to advocate for and sensitize the Eze and his Community on the essence of the exercise and to secure their buy in into the on going survey exercise in the State, recorded a high success level.

Earlier in the day, the Executive Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South; Hon. Nnadozie Nwogwugwu, played host to the Survey team, accompanied by the NPC Comptroller, Isiala Ngwa South; Mr Solomon David. The Mayor graciously granted the request of the Comptroller for accommodation for the Survey team through the period of the exercise in the LG.

Present during the visits were; HON. Eze Ezeama; Chief of Staff Isiala Ngwa South LGA,
HON. Chiemela; Councillor Representing Mbutu Ward 3 and other community leaders.

It could be recalled that, in December, 2025, the PAD also took the Abia survey team on an advocacy visit to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Abia State; Dr. Mrs Ifeyinwa Kalu Uma.

PAD.

Men and brethren, I am +1 today!

To this God, who is able to will and to do, be all the glory, amen!

*Why Active NPC Staff Should Lead the Biometric Census Planning*

The shift toward a Biometric, evidence-based National Census represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s population data management. This new direction demands strong digital competence, modern operational skills, and real-time problem-solving. For these reasons, the current active workforce of the National Population Commission (NPC) should take the lead in planning and executing the biometric census, rather than returning major responsibilities to structures associated with earlier non-digital methodologies.

Below are the key reasons:

1. *Current Staff Possess Relevant Digital Skills*
Biometric census operations rely extensively on

GIS-based digital mapping

Tablet and mobile data collection

Biometric capturing devices

CRVS digitization platforms

Real-time national dashboards

Cloud and server-based monitoring systems

These competencies are the result of continuous training and adaptation by the current workforce.
Procedures from earlier census eras were designed around manual, paper-driven systems, which cannot support the demands of a technology-dependent exercise.
2. *Active Personnel Hold the Updated Institutional Knowledge Current staff:*

Engage daily with digital CRVS systems

Maintain updated maps and field structures

Understand contemporary census workflows

Navigate the real-time challenges across states and LGAs

This updated institutional memory is critical for a census that depends on precision, speed, and digital accountability.

3. *Relying on Outdated Operational Approaches Risks Data Quality*
Reintroducing structures or procedures from pre-digital periods could unintentionally re-create challenges such as:

Limited exposure to digital processes

Low adaptability to modern tools

Slow decision cycles

Training gaps that affect field performance

The biometric census requires a digitally capable and currently active team, not a return to legacy practices that do not align with the present structure of census operations.

4. *The Commission’s Progress Requires Forward-Looking Leadership and Not a Return to Outdated Operational Approaches*
A successful biometric census must be anchored on leadership and operational models that reflect current digital realities. Redirecting strategic authority toward operational systems developed in earlier periods—before the Commission’s technological reforms—may slow down the modernization process.

The Commission has invested significantly in:
Digital census architecture, updated CRVS systems, new GIS technologies, and'evidence-based population management tools. Returning core responsibilities to pre-digital procedural models could unintentionally limit innovation and reintroduce structural gaps in training, technology adaptation, and workflow modernization.
To sustain the Commission’s transformation, leadership should remain with personnel who understand and actively manage contemporary digital processes.

5. *Empowering Current Staff Improves Motivation and Accountability*
Present staff are motivated when trusted with national responsibilities.
Allowing them to lead:
Builds confidence, strengthens ownership of outcomes, promotes accountability, and enhances institutional growth. Redirecting responsibilities away from the active workforce could lower morale and weaken the unity required for successful census ex*****on.

6. *Global Best Practices Favor Active Digital Workforces* Countries that successfully conducted biometric or digital censuses—India, Brazil, Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa—relied on:
Active digital staff, Agile technical teams, Modern field structures, Real-time monitoring, and Technology-responsive leadership.
Reverting to outdated systems contradicts global standards for digital population data collection.

7. *Fairness Demands That Those Trained for Digital Duties Use Their Skills*

The Commission has spent years training and upgrading current staff to manage digital population systems.
It is only fair and efficient that those who possess the right training and experience be allowed to apply their skills fully in national service.

*Conclusion*

Nigeria’s biometric census is a historic undertaking that requires modern skills, updated institutional knowledge, and digital competence. The Commission must sustain its progress by empowering its current active workforce—the group best aligned with the demands of a technology-driven census.

Returning core responsibilities to operational approaches rooted in earlier, non-digital eras risks slowing down innovation, reducing staff morale, and weakening the overall success of the exercise.

The future of Nigeria’s census lies with the digitally trained, forward-looking staff who are prepared to lead the nation into a new era of population data management.

PRESS RELEASE

NEW NPC CHAIRMAN, DR. AMINU YUSUF ASSUMES OFFICE

The National Population Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce that its new Chairman, Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi) has officially assumed office following his swearing-in by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in Abuja, today, 3rd December 2025.

Born on April 15, 1960, in Wushishi, Niger State, Dr. Aminu Yusuf, brings to the Commission a wealth of experience, an impressive academic background, and a distinguished record of public service spanning education, governance, and community development.

He began his educational journey at LEA Primary School, Zungeru, and later attended Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State. In 1983, he obtained his Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the College of Education, Minna, and proceeded to earn a B.Sc. (Ed) in Biology from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1988.

His pursuit of knowledge continued with a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (2001), a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) from ABU (2010), and a Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Dr. Aminu Yusuf has also undertaken several specialized professional trainings, including High-Impact Presentation Training in Washington D.C. (2010), participation in a Security Summit on Grassroots Campaign for Internal Security in Niger State (2012), and an Executive Development Programme at Government & Management Services International, London (2013).

Over the years, Dr. Aminu Yusuf held several key positions in both public service and political administration. He served as Executive Chairman, Wushishi Local Government Area, Member-elect, Niger State House of Assembly, and Board Member, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) between 2005 and 2007.

A seasoned grassroots politician and development advocate, Dr. Aminu Yusuf was appointed Special Adviser (Political Affairs) to the Governor of Niger State from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, he also served as Assistant Director, Grassroots Mobilization (North Central) for the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, where he played an active role in strengthening the campaign’s community engagement structures across the region.

Until his appointment as Chairman of NPC, Dr. Aminu Yusuf was the National President, Niger State College of Education Alumni Association, Minna, where he was instrumental in fostering alumni engagement and supporting institutional development initiatives in his alma mater.

He also served as Co-Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello Skill Acquisition and Development Committee, where he spearheaded numerous empowerment programmes designed to enhance the skills and livelihoods of women and youth in the Niger North Senatorial District. His commitment to human capital development and social empowerment has contributed significantly to promoting self-reliance and community growth within the region.

With his extensive background in education, governance, and public service, Dr. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi) is well-positioned to provide visionary leadership to the National Population Commission. His appointment is expected to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its core mandate of producing reliable demographic data for effective national planning, development, and policy formulation.

Mrs. Samiat Olabimpe Lawal
Director, Public Affairs
3rd December 2025

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Only 51% Of Nigerian Homes Have Electricity--Survey – The Whistler Newspaper ...Says 22% Use Clean Cooking Fuels Only about half of Nigerian households have access to electricity, according to findings from the 2024 Nigeria

Today, 16th October, 2025, the State Director; Mrs. Joyce Uzoma Ogwurike, on behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioner; Honourable Emma Trumps Eke, received the members of the 2025 Mini-NDHS team in the State. Led by the zonal coordinator, South East zone; Mr. Cyprain Obike, the team was assured of the necessary assistance from the State office, while being advised by the State Director Mrs. Ogwurike to be diligent and committed to their field demands and responsibilities.

The team is comprised of; the zonal coordinator, the Supervisor, team lead, mappers and listers.

They are expected to be in Abia State for a period of 35 days, covering all the clusters listed for the survey in the state.

PAD.

ELECTION OF SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA NPC, ABIA STATE CHAPTER.

Today, 16th October, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the National Population Commission, Abia State, history was made when the members of the Senior staff of the Commission, unanimously elected their representatives into the Senior Civil Servants Association of Nigeria, Abia State chapter.

The Representative of the Association and Returning Officer of the election; Comrade Okoye, conducted a well organized election, which was more of a consensus of the electorates to the admiration and acceptance of all.

Those elected were:
1. Mrs. Elizabeth Ndem...Chairman
2. Mr. Ugochukwu Nwankwo.... Vice Chairman
3. Pastor Ezekiel Nwogu ... Secretary
4. Mrs. Oluchi Elendu...Treasurer
5. Pastor Ugochukwu Ejirika...Ex-officio.

In her acceptance speech on behalf of the newly elected, Mrs Ndem thanked the Senior staff of the Commission for the confidence reposed her and her team and pledged that going forward, the interest of the Commission will be well represented and protected at the Association.

Highlite of the occassion was the oath taking and swearing in of the new excutives.

On ground to witness the election were; the State Director; Mrs Joyce Ogwuruike and some members of the management staff.

To the newly elected; we say a big CONGRATULATIONS!

PAD.

NPC, BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT FAKE BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND IMMIGRATION CRIMES

In a move to tighten the fight against organized immigration crime and enhance the integrity of civil registration systems in Nigeria, the Chairman of National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, today, 7th October 2025, received a delegation from the Home Office International Operations (HOIO) of the British High Commission in Nigeria at the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation, led by Mr. Coran Oakley, International Liaison Manager for Organised Immigration Crime, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting the NPC’s capacity to verify birth certificates referred by the British High Commission. As part of the visit, the HOIO donated six HP Scanjet scanners, four UPS devices, and Rarewox Xcan OCR system customization software to the Commission.

Mr. Oakley noted that the partnership aims to deepen existing cooperation with Nigerian institutions in curbing document fraud and immigration-related crimes.

“We see people attempting to obtain UK visas with documents that are not 100% legitimate,” Oakley said. “Working closely with the National Population Commission, we are identifying fraudulent birth certificates, some acquired through illicit means or entirely counterfeit and collaborating with Nigerian law enforcement to arrest and prosecute those behind these schemes.”

Highlighting recent progress, Mr. Oakley revealed that through collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the UK’s Home Office has helped facilitate 10 arrests and two successful prosecutions linked to organized immigration crime within the past two years.

He explained that intelligence provided by the NPC has been critical to these investigations, adding that false birth certificate data gathered by the Commission is being used not just for administrative purposes, but as evidence in wider criminal cases.

“We are not just filing this information away,” he emphasized. “We are building bigger investigations to take down those exploiting innocent Nigerians who unknowingly pay scammers for what they believe are legitimate documents.”

In his remarks, NPC Chairman Hon. Nasir Kwarra expressed deep appreciation to the British High Commission for the donation, noting that the technological support will significantly enhance the Commission’s capacity for digitized Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS).

By enabling the conversion of paper-based records into secure, easily retrievable digital formats, this support directly improves data management and service delivery,” Hon. Kwarra said. “It also reflects our shared vision for innovation, accountability, and inclusive development.”

He assured the visiting team that the NPC remains committed to working closely with the British High Commission and relevant agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in the production and circulation of fake certificates.

Key NPC officials present at the meeting included; Federal Commissioner, Edo State, Dr. Tony Aiyejina; Federal Commissioner, Kaduna State, Hajia Sa’adatu Garba DogonBauchi; Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun; Director, Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Department, Mrs. Saidu Dauda Sulami and technical staff members.

The meeting underscored a growing UK–Nigeria collaboration focused not only on curbing immigration fraud but also on strengthening institutional transparency, data integrity, and digital transformation in public administration.

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