By Fatima Saka
The Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population has screened seven commissioner nominees for the National Population Commission (NPC), signaling renewed momentum toward conducting Nigeria’s long-overdue national census.
The nominees, submitted by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, include Kolawole Oladipupo Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara), Usman Abubakar Tuggar (Bauchi), Dr. Isaka Alada Yahaya (Kwara), Prof. Sadiq Isah Radda (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa), and Hon. Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo (Sokoto).
Speaking with journalists after the screening in Abuja on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman, Victor Umeh, underscored the urgency of conducting a fresh census, noting that Nigeria’s last population count was held in 2006.
He warned that the absence of up-to-date demographic data continues to hinder effective national planning, stressing that government policies must reflect the needs of all population groups, including children, youths, and the elderly.
“There is no way you can plan for development without accurate data on the population,” Umeh said, adding that current population figures remain largely speculative, with varying estimates frequently cited.
According to him, the newly screened commissioners are expected to strengthen the operational capacity of the NPC ahead of a credible and comprehensive census exercise.
Umeh further disclosed that although a Presidential Advisory Committee had earlier been inaugurated to guide the process, the census was delayed due to electoral activities.
He, however, expressed optimism that preparations would now resume in earnest.
The lawmaker also highlighted that the planned census would cover both population and housing components, providing critical data to assess Nigeria’s housing deficit and guide targeted interventions.
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Describing the nominees as highly qualified, Umeh said the committee was satisfied with their performance and credentials, assuring that its report would soon be presented to the Senate for confirmation.
The screening marks a renewed push by the Federal Government to generate reliable population data—widely regarded as essential for effective economic planning, equitable resource allocation, and sustainable national development.
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