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Tag: National Population Commission

  • Our mandate is to deliver credible census, says NPC boss

    Our mandate is to deliver credible census, says NPC boss

    • Yusuf assumes office as commission’s chair

    The new Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Aminu Yusuf, has promised to follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s instruction and conduct a credible and transparent national census.

    Yusuf spoke on assuming office as the commission’s chairman. President Tinubu yesterday swore in Yusuf at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The NPC chairman stated that the commission was committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in the upcoming census.

    He said: “I wish to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola

    Ahmed Tinubu, for finding me worthy of this great responsibility and for similarly entrusting the two honourable federal commissioners representing Nasarawa and Yobe states, who have also been sworn in today. Our appointments reflect the President’s faith in integrity, competence, and commitment to national service. This trust is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility, one I pledge to uphold with unwavering dedication.

    “During our swearing-in earlier today, Mr. President delivered a charge that resonates deeply with clarity and purpose. He reminded us that the time has come to rebuild confidence, modernize our demographic systems and deliver a credible, transparent and technology-driven national census. This census will not merely count people, but shape policies, drive development and guide the destiny of our nation. His words were more than instructions; they were a call to national renewal.

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    “I wish to use this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of my predecessor, Nasir Isa Kwarra. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, he greatly advanced Nigeria’s demographic governance and fortified the institutional foundations upon which we continue to build.

    “Let me affirm, however, that this mission cannot be achieved by one person alone. Its success depends on the collective commitment of all Federal Commissioners,

    the Director-General, as well as the management and staff of the Commission. I, therefore, solicit the wholehearted cooperation and support of everyone as we embark on this transformative journey together.

    “In line with the President’s charge, we are here to begin a new chapter, one defined by purpose and collective resolve to deliver to Nigerians credible and reliable demographic data for national development planning.

    “Let me underscore this fundamental truth: the mandate of our commission is vast, profound and transformative. Our responsibilities extend far beyond the conduct of national censuses. We are entrusted with maintaining a robust civil registration and vital statistics system, developing and preserving a comprehensive National Geospatial Frame, conducting specialised surveys that generate high-quality data and providing the government with evidence-based advice on population-related matters.

    “There is no denying that the task before us is formidable. It demands resilience and

    resolute obligation. Hence, our efforts must be guided by an unshakeable pledge to excellence, a strong sense of duty and patriotic zeal to push us not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them, leaving a legacy of achievement and credibility that will endure far beyond today.”

    The NPC boss added: “The second pillar is the delivery of a modern, technology-driven population and housing census. Conducting a national census is one of the most complex operations a country can undertake. It demands meticulous preparation, disciplined execution and uncompromising accuracy.

    “We are committed to delivering a census Nigerians can trust and use. Every stage from the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) updating, logistics deployment, field operations, implementing quality assurance measures, to performing Post-

    Enumeration Surveys (PES) will be executed with diligence and professionalism.

    “Our ultimate goal is to conduct a census that is digital, biometrically verified and whose outcome will be credible and reliable. It will be consistent with international best practices and United Nations principles, producing results that withstand scrutiny at home and abroad.”

    He also assured fellow Nigerians that the census would not merely count people and houses but be a national asset for sustainable development planning.

  • New population commission chair vows transparent, credible national census

    New population commission chair vows transparent, credible national census

    Newly inaugurated Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Aminu Yusuf, on Wednesday pledged to deliver a transparent, credible and nationally acceptable population and housing census for Nigeria.

    Yusuf made the commitment at the State House, Abuja, shortly after he was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alongside newly appointed federal commissioners of the Commission.

    Speaking with journalists at the State House, the NPC Chairman underscored the importance of accurate population data to national planning and assured that the forthcoming census would be conducted with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

    “Nigeria needs a transparent and acceptable census, which I have promised. I have taken an oath with my commissioners that we will be transparent in whatever we do regarding the conduct of the census, so that at the end of it all, it will be acceptable to Nigerians”, Yusuf said.

    Describing the commitment as a solemn pledge, he expressed confidence in the capacity of the Commission’s leadership team. 

    “This is a promise, and by the grace of God, we will achieve that with the team. With the calibre of federal commissioners that I have, and a very versatile and experienced Director-General, I don’t have any fear, because it’s a mandate that the President has given us, and he has given us a marching order”, Yusuf said.

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    Yusuf said the NPC’s responsibilities extend far beyond census exercises, noting that the Commission continues to address numerous tasks central to national development.

    In addition to conducting periodic population and housing censuses, the NPC registers births and deaths, advises government on population matters, collects and analyses demographic data, and monitors the implementation of the national population policy to support economic and development planning.

    The new chairman said these functions would be strengthened under his leadership to ensure that Nigeria’s population data remains accurate, credible and useful for long-term national planning.

  • NPC puts Nigeria’s life expectancy at 52 years

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has said that the current overall life expectancy of Nigeria stands at 52.2 years.

    The Acting Chairman of NPC, Alhaji Hassan Bashir, stated this in New York while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the 52nd Session of the United Nations Commission on Population and Development.

    According to the World Health Organisation, life expectancy refers to the average number of years that a newborn is expected to live if current mortality rates continue to apply.

    The population chief said Nigerians “60 years and over currently represents less than five per cent of the entire population, while overall life expectancy is 55.2 years”.

    Bashir added: “As you may be aware, Nigeria estimated population is currently at over 198 million with an annual growth rate of 3.2 per cent.

    “The total Fertility Rate remains at 5.5 per woman; 63 per cent of the entire population is under the age of 25; 42 per cent is under the age of 15 years.

    “Fifty per cent of the female population is in the reproductive years, while 54.8 per cent of the population constitutes the working age,” the Nigerian population chief said.

    According to him, Nigeria recently concluded the field work of its national demography and health survey in 2018 and while it awaits the outcome of that survey, early and child marriage still persists.

    He said data available indicated that unintended and unwanted pregnancies were common as 23 per cent of the adolescent girl age 15 to 19 years have commenced reproduction.

    Bashir said the situation had put women, especially young girls, at risk of maternal death which stands at 576 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    He added that 61 per cent of women of reproductive age who had live births within this period received antenatal care from skilled providers.

    However, only 36 per cent of them had their deliveries in health facilities and 38 percent of the deliveries were attended to by skilled birth assistants, he said.

    Read also: Census: NPC begins Area Enumeration Demarcation in Kwara

    He explained that the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) had been conducted regularly with plans to conduct a census during the 2020 round of census.

    Bashir, however, bemoaned the major challenge of unavailability of timely information and robust disaggregated data for tracking progress aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    “Some of our critical concerns include addressing the needs of over 66 million adolescents and young people, aged 10 to 24 years (half of whom are girls) to gain access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health information and age-appropriate services.

    “There is also the need to address the contraceptive needs of 14 million internally displaced persons affected by increasing insecurity, as well as the needs of over 13.2 million out-of-school children including school-drop-outs due to unintended pregnancies.”

    Nigeria’s Ambassador to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, while delivering a statement on behalf of African Group, said Africa recognised the urgent need to unleash the creative initiative and energy of its large youth population.

    Bande, Chairman, African Group, UN, said Africa remained committed to cooperating internationally to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration involving full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of all migrants.

    “To this effect, the African Group supports the free movement of people and goods within countries as it foster rural-urban inter-linkages, and regional integration,” he said.

    According to him, African Group emphasised the need for developed countries to promote policies that foster the integration and reintegration of migrants and returning migrants. (NAN)

  • ‘Data gathering still a challenge in Nigeria’

    The Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission (NPC) in Anambra state, Mr. Chidi Ezeoke, on Thursday, expressed dismay over the difficulty in gathering of data in the country.

    He said it was more worrisome in view of the importance of data in effective national planning.

    Ezeoke spoke in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state during the commencement of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) across the country.

    “It’s unfortunate that in our country, we’re still gathering data bit and pieces which is difficult to plan with.

    “Out of the 774 local government areas in the country, only 135 have been demarcated. That’s not commendable,” he said.

    He said the exercise was holding simultaneously in 23 states corresponding to 23 new commissioners appointed by the president last year November.

    Ezeoke enjoined the officers to accord the 21-day workshop the seriousness it deserved, describing it as an important national service.

    He said, “It’s very important you realize the enormity of the responsibility of the assignment you’re embarking on.

    “It’s also important you appreciate that what you do here will determine what will happen to the state data wise.

    “You’re here for an important national assignment and not a jamboree. Any mistakes made will impact negatively on the people.

    “It’s what you lay down today that you’ll continue to update in the future. As experts, you’re laying a foundation and if it’s faulty, the superstructure can’t stand.”

    A statement by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Alh. Nassan Bashir, stressed that the EAD constituted the foundation of the census architecture and helps in planning and execution of the census project.

    “We wish to advice that no time is more auspicious than now that the general elections are over to draw the nation’s attention and energy to the imperatives of a national census that will provide the country with much needed current statistical data to aid effective planning in the country,” the statement read.

  • Nigeria to get database of deaths, births soon, says NPC

    The National Population Commission (NPC) yesterday said a comprehensive database for births and deaths registration in the country from 2004-2019 would be ready by the end of the year.

    The Chairman of the commission’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), Dr Tayo Olatunji, made this known in Lokoja.

    Olatunji, who spoke at the opening of a two-day workshop for 2014 and 2015 scanned vital registration forms, said the registrations, which were done in analogue form, were being scanned and transferred electronically to a database.

    Olatunji, a former Director-General of the NPC, said that vital registrations for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 had already been scanned and transferred electronically into the database.

    He said the scanning and transmission of vital statistics outstanding from 2009 to 2013 would commence as soon as money was released by the Federal Government.

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    According to him, the exercise is strenuous and challenging, but it has to be done for the country to be at par with other developed nations.

    The NPC boss said the statistics being worked upon now were mainly birth and death registrations from the 774 local governments in the country.

    “Since we have been writing them in analogue forms, they are not useful until they are put together in electronics form,” he said.

    Olatunji said the organisation had since stopped the collection of vital statistics in analogue form, adding that the decision to go fully digital would help to change the direction of civil registration in Nigeria.

  • 1,140 Niger homes to be assessed in demographic survey  

    No fewer than 1,140 households in Niger State will be assessed in the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) which has just started across the country.

    The survey will be carried out to produce comprehensive data on the nation’s population, health and nutrition situation.

    The Overseeing Federal Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC) for the state, Alhaji Yusufu Mohammed Anka said that 1,140 households in 38 clusters in 20 local government areas would be surveyed in the state.

    The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey will assist Nigeria in conducting household sample surveys to monitor changes in population, health and nutrition.

    According to Anka, the NDHS will feature malaria and genotype testing in a bid to assess the prevalence of malaria and sickle cell diseases and traits among children of six to 59 months.

    Anka appealed to local government councils, traditional institutions and communities to support the Commissioner in carrying out the survey by allowing unfettered access to the areas.

    The NDHS Coordinator for Niger and Nasarawa states, Prince Abubakar Afegbua said the survey seeks to collect high data fertility levels and preferences, investigate factors that impact on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, assess nutritional status of women and children in the households.

    The survey ends on December 15, adding that it will provide information to help evaluate needs of maternal and child health and family planning programmes for evidence based planning and implementation.

    “This survey will strengthen national capacities to better use of collected data for identifying demographic and health related social needs; the data can be used to develop strategies for equitable growth and social poverty reduction which can be used to build national development strategies,” he said.

  • Reps urge FG to for Census in 2019

    The House of Representatives Wednesday urged the Federal Government to make a pronouncement on the commencement of the next census in the fourth quarter.

    The lawmakers also asked President Muhammadu Buhari to make provisions for census funds in 2019 budget, and mobilize the National Population Commission for the completion of enumeration and preliminary preparation for the census.

    They also appealed to the international communities to support the proposed head count.

    The Lawmakers mandated the House Committee on legislative compliance to liaise with the National Population Commission for strict compliance and report back to the House for further legislative action.

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    The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion of urgent national importance moved by a member, Hon. Prestige Ossy titled: “Need to Conduct census for proper planning and development in Nigeria.”

    While moving the motion, the lawmaker said: “According to United Nations Fund for Population Activities, Nigeria has a dynamic economy and a large population expected to double in the next two decades.

    “Note that the National Population Commission is the Agency that saddled with the responsibility of gathering, collating and analyzing demographic data such as census.

    “Further noted that the most significant feature of any society is human capital. Consequently, census becomes a pivotal and necessary tool for the growth of any emerging society which in turn informs decision making at all faucets and endeavor of both government and private sector.”

    According to the lawmaker, the last census was held in 2006, “Nigeria’s population was estimated at 140, 431, 790 with estimated growth of less than 3 percent yearly.

    “Also aware that 12 years after last census, the current population of Nigerian is not known. Thus, the estimated 297 million by the present chairman of the National Population Commission cannot be said to be accurate or reliable.”

    Ossy expressed concern that the lack of up to date and accurate data on population in Nigeria has affected national, planning , development at all level that culminate into human and agricultural insecurity in Nigeria.

    He further opined that a census based on biometric data will capture all Nigerians and help, solve the problems of infiltration and internal security challenges such as kidnapping, terrorism, marked robbery, farmers- herdsmen unrest etc.

    When the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara called for a vote on the motion, it was passed by a majority of members and referred to the House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development.

  • Demographic Dividend: Group calls for private sector partnership

    To galvanize private sector involvement in accelerating the process of demographic dividend in Nigeria, the National Population Commission, UN agencies led by UNFPA, HACEY Health Initiative, GBC Health. Population Council and One Campaign have organized the first Private Sector Conference on Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Nigeria.

    In an interactive and impactful-laden atmosphere, the conference took a holistic look at the challenges and opportunities in implementing the Nigeria Road Map through private sectors investments in young people, hence, calling on all private sectors key players to play the lead on several deliverables of the democratic dividence roadmap.

    The conference which held at Four Points by Sheraton, Victoria Island, brought together group of business executives, corporate managers, technical experts, government officials, program implementers and global advocacy community to develop strategies and programs that will accelerate the impact of interventions focused on harnessing the demographic dividend.

    Speaking at the conference, the Project Director, HACEY Health Initiative, Owolabi Isaiah, noted that “the conference seeks to increase the understanding of and discussions around the ‘Demographic Dividend’ and its potential impact on Nigeria’s development, among private sector organizations.

    According to him, the event it seeks to create a Business Coalition on Harnessing the Demographic Dividend in Nigeria and foster a call to action by the private sector to promote investment in harnessing the demographic dividend.

    In the same vein, the UNFPA Representative Ms Diene Keita reiterated the need for the private sector to join in the efforts of the Government, the UN and Development Partners to harnessing demographic dividend in Nigeria by investing in health, education and employment of young people especially young girls, as this is not only necessary for the realization of the SDGs but will result in greater profit for entrepreneurs in the country.

    The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Eze Duruiheoma also added said that young people are  pillars of the future, and can become economic super powers today and always if partners across different sector work together to invest in the health, education and employment of young people in Nigeria.

    Also read : Okowa Calls for private-public partnership

     

     

  • NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    NPC workers’ strike “put on hold” – Union

    Striking workers of the National Population Commission ( NPC ) on Tuesday said their protest had been “put on hold’’ pending the response of the Federal Government to their demands.

    The President of the workers union, Mrs Rita Agaba, made this known in Abuja.

    She explained that the strike was put on hold following the intervention of the National Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) and Trade Union Congress.

    Agaba said the union members decided to put on hold the strike in respect of the NLC and TUC with offices reopened.

    However, the unionist maintained that they would operate a work-to-rule regime to facilitate dialogue and in anticipation of government positive response.

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    The leadership of organised labour on January 29 directed the aggrieved NPC workers to suspend their strike to give room for dialogue.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, President, Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) with his counterpart, Mr Bobboi Kaigama, President, Trade Union Congress ( TUC ) gave the directive while addressing the NPC staff in Abuja.

    Agaba also disclosed that the scheduled Jan. 30 meeting between leaders of the NPC workers’ union and the Secretary to Government of Federation had been postponed till further notice.

    Reports say that the NPC workers embarked on the strike in the last three weeks to protest the reappointment of their Director-General, Dr Ghaji Bello, by the federal government.

    The workers are also demanding for improved working condition and probe of the finances of the commission.

    NAN

  • Nigerian govt urged invest in family planning

    Nigerian govt urged invest in family planning

    The Nigerian government has urged to invest more in the provision of sexual reproductive health services as a way of keeping on track the development of the country.

    National Population Commission, Director in Gombe state, Usman Shehu Ibrahim spoke in Gombe at a press conference organised as part of the activities to commemorate the 2017 World Population Day (WPD) with the theme: ‘Family planning, birth spacing: Empowering people, developing nation.’

    He said the huge investments in building social and physical infrastructure and other critical sectors of Nigeria’s national life would not yield maximum benefits unless the women and the girl child had an unfettered access to sexual and reproductive information and services.

    “The present situation in which access to family planning information and services is severely limited in unacceptable and definitely counterproductive to our march towards sustainable development.

    “The health status and general wellbeing of our women and girl child have the capacity to influence our development process,” Ibrahim said.

    He said an estimated 225million women in developing countries would have liked to delay or stop childbearing but are not using contraception, but “fulfilling their demand would avert 60 million unintended pregnancies around the world.”

    Accordingly, Alhassan Yahya, Chairman, Maternal Newborn Health Coalition (MNCH), Gombe called on the state government to create a budget line for family planning in the 2017 supplementary budget or in the 2018 budget.

    He also among other things called for equitable trained medical professionals to provide cost-effective Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and adolescent Health (RMNCAH) services, especially in rural and hard to reach communities in the state.

    Yahya nevertheless called on the populace to shelve the misconception and baseless myths about birth control and save themselves from the ills of unwanted/untimely pregnancies.

    He insisted “Men should play active role in encouraging and supporting their women in family planning (FP) uptake. Men should also be involved in FP uptake. FP is for both men and women”.