By Michael Agbaji
The Senate has successfully screened seven presidential nominees for appointment as Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC), expressing satisfaction with their qualifications and readiness to serve.
The nominees, forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are expected to fill existing vacancies across various states in the Commission.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Management and National Population Commission, Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), stated that the NPC—comprising representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory—plays a critical role in national development planning through the generation and management of vital population data.
He noted that the Senate is confident in the calibre of the nominees, describing them as highly qualified individuals with the requisite professional experience, academic credentials, and capacity to effectively contribute to the Commission’s mandate.
Senator Umeh reiterated the urgent need for a credible national census, observing that Nigeria’s last census was conducted nearly two decades ago.
He emphasized that accurate and up-to-date population data is essential for effective planning, equitable resource allocation, and addressing the diverse needs of Nigerians.
He further underscored the importance of conducting both population and housing censuses concurrently to provide comprehensive data for informed policy formulation, particularly in tackling housing challenges nationwide.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s commitment to conducting a national census—demonstrated by the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Committee on the Census—the Committee noted that the exercise had been deferred due to prevailing electoral activities.
However, it expressed optimism that preparations would continue, with the census expected to be conducted after the elections.
The Senate affirmed its satisfaction with all seven nominees and assured that its report would be presented for confirmation in due course.
List of Nominees:
Kolawole Alabi — Ekiti State
Nasiru Ma’azu — Zamfara State
Usman Tuggar — Bauchi State
Isaka Yahya — Kwara State
Prof. Sadiq Radda — Katsina State
Suleiman Umar — Jigawa State
Chiso Dattijo — Sokoto State
The report will be submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
