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Tag: NPC

  • Kwarra’s tenure as NPC chairman ends

    Kwarra’s tenure as NPC chairman ends

    The Chairman National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra has ended his five-year tenure. 

    He handed over leadership of the NPC to the Federal Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo, who represents Niger State.

    Dattijo will serve as acting Chairman until Aminu Yusuf is sworn in as Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

    The brief handover ceremony at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja, was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and Commission staff.

    In a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, Kwarra thanked his colleagues and subordinates for their cooperation during his tenure.

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    The statement reads: “Hon. Kwarra expressed appreciation to the Federal Commissioners, Management and Staff of the NPC for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his five-year tenure, highlighting the commission’s strides in strengthening data collection systems, digitizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census”.

    He added the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through collective commitment and professionalism, the statement noted.

    The occasion was marked by emotional farewells and tributes, including the signing of the official handover notes, the presentation of a gift to Kwarra, and a group photograph to commemorate the day.

    Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, led the commission during one of its most critical periods, the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.

    The last national census was conducted in 2006, making the forthcoming exercise a key national priority.

  • Birth certificates: Over 10m children registered in 2024, says NPC Chairman

    Birth certificates: Over 10m children registered in 2024, says NPC Chairman

    The National Population Commission (NPC) has registered and offered birth certificates to over 10 million children born in 2024 nationwide, its chairman, Alhaji Nasir Isa Kwarra, has said.  Kwarra announced this while addressing reporters after the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, presented a birth certificate to the Baby of the Year at the Asokoro General Hospital yesterday in Abuja.

    Represented by the commission’s Federal Commissioner from Katsina State, Mr. Bala Banya, the NCP chairman promised to ensure that every child born in Nigeria is registered and offered a birth certificate.

    The chairman noted that with the digitisation of the registration system and collaboration with the Primary Health Care Agency, children would be registered wherever they are born.

    He advised all parents and guardians to register their children, saying the process is totally free.

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    NCP’s Director General, Dr. Telson Osifo Ojogun, said the commission had concluded plans to establish over 400 registration centres throughout the country to bring registration closer to the people.

    The director general said the NCP was leveraging technology to ensure that every child registered got an identity that would not be duplicated anywhere.

    He expressed appreciation to the First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, for presenting the certificate to the baby of the year.

    Dr. Ojogun also urged Nigerians to register the deaths of citizens with the commission to enable it maintain a clean register.

  • Population census likely next year, says NPC Chairman Kwarra

    Population census likely next year, says NPC Chairman Kwarra

    A population census may hold next year, the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa Kwarra, hinted yesterday.

    The NPC boss said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration may approve the conduct the population census, 19 years after the last exercise.

    Kwarra gave the hint at this year’s anniversary of the Nairobi Summit on the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) yesterday in Abuja.

    The last census in Nigeria was conducted in 2006, leaving an 18-year hiatus without updated demographic data, despite the United Nations (UN) recommendation for countries to conduct a census every decade.

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    Initially planned for 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the exercise was postponed to allow the incoming government to oversee the process effectively.

    Kwarra highlighted the challenges posed by the prolonged delay, saying the lack of accurate population data has hindered effective resource allocation, particularly in underserved rural areas.

    He said: “A major setback we face is the delay in conducting the population and housing census. A reliable and accurate census is crucial for informed decision-making, providing the necessary demographic and socioeconomic data for effective policy design, planning, and implementation.

    “The delay, compounded by logistical and financial constraints, has hindered efforts to assess the full scope of population needs and allocate resources effectively, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

    “However, I must emphasise that the government is committed to conducting the census, and we believe it will take place next year.

  • NPC to tackle infant, maternal mortality

    NPC to tackle infant, maternal mortality

    • By Ebube Ojukwu

    National Population Commission (NPC), in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare have launched 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy Study (VASA) to tackle neonate, children and adult female mortality in Lagos State.

    The 2024 VASA Study is a follow up to 2023-2024 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey conducted in May to help government understand and address biomedical and social causes of death among children under five and women of reproductive age.

    Federal commissioner representing the state, Mrs. Saidat Olayinka-Oladunjoye, said the study would collect data on maternal and child mortality, focusing on social and health-related factors contributing to these tragic losses.

    She noted the data would empower decision makers to address these issues, and bring out polices to improve maternal and child health.

    Mrs. Olayinka-Oladunjoye urged the public to cooperate and work with VASA Study interviewers conducting fieldwork in selected communities.

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    She added: “They are here to listen, gather and document your experiences with respect and confidentiality, the collaboration and support of every resident is crucial.

    “In sharing your experiences and welcoming our teams, you are contributing  to a project to prevent  losses in our communities and securing a healthier future for our families.”

    VASA Coordinator, Mrs. Samiat Lawal, lamented that 39 fatalities were recorded in 25 clusters in 14 local governments during an initial study.

    She stressed that the Verbal Autopsy Study was a critical step towards addressing the alarming rate of infant and maternal mortality.

    “By shedding light on the underlying causes, we can work towards creating a more supportive environment for expectant mothers, nursing mothers and their families. Our goal is to ensure that every life is valued and every death is investigated to prevent future tragedies,” she added.

  • NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    NOA, NPC, UNICEF begin e-birth registration for children

    The National Orientation Agency (NOA), in collaboration with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched a digital registration initiative to register birth of children aged zero to five years.

    The announcement was made at a press briefing on Electronic Civic Registration and Vital Statistics, held at the Lagos NOA Directorate office and attended by key stakeholders, including Oba of Shasha Kingdom, Alimosho, HRM Babatunde Akinlowo, and representatives from various community groups.

    Highlighting the significance of birth registration, the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by Director of Special Duties and State Operations, David Akoji, said birth registration is the first legal acknowledgment of a child’s existence, essential for safeguarding their rights and privileges.

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    Issa-Onilu explained that the collaboration with the NPC and UNICEF aims to ensure every child’s access to education, healthcare, and essential services.

    He encouraged parents and guardians to visit the nearest NPC registration centers, where children will receive a National Identification Number (NIN) upon completion of the registration.

  • NPC postpones national stakeholders’ meeting

    NPC postpones national stakeholders’ meeting

    Former military President, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and cleric, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah have postponed their national stakeholders’ town hall meeting until further notice.

    Gen. Abubakar, the Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), and Bishop Kukah, the Convener of the town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday 26 September 2024, said the postponement was inevitable but gave no further reason other than that it was due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

    According to the NPC, the town hall meeting became necessary following the emerging developments that trailed the 2023 general election.

    The meeting was intended to provide a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration, where the concerns and aspirations of the people can be discussed, and the outcomes are presented to the government.

    However, the postponement was confirmed in a terse message on Wednesday by the Kukah Centre’s Media and Communication unit.

    The message read: “This is to notify you of the postponement of the National Peace Committee’s Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders on the Socio-Economic and Political Situation in Nigeria, which was scheduled for Thursday 26th September 2024.

    “This is due to unforeseen circumstances”.

    While apologizing for the inconvenience the development might have caused, the Kukah Centre said a new date would be communicated to the stakeholders as soon as it is confirmed.

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    Giving reasons behind the stakeholders’ meeting, Gen. Abubakar (rtd) and Bishop Kukah, in a joint statement earlier in the week, said the meeting is a crucial step towards bridging the gap between the government and its citizens, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their legitimate concerns addressed.

    The statement read in part: “The 2023 general elections were marked by a renewed sense of optimism and desire for change among Nigerians.

    “This optimism was demonstrated in the number of people who registered for the 2023 elections (93, 469, 008 million) compared to just (57, 938, 945 million) registered voters in 1999.

    “Nigerians believed that the 2023 elections would usher in an administration that would swiftly address the nation’s lingering socio-economic challenges.

    “The preparations for the elections heightened the hopes for positive socio-economic and political change.

    “However, the outcome of the keenly contested presidential elections amplified the regional and ethnic cleavages that have underpinned our journey of nationhood.

    “Additionally, the well-intentioned policy of the government to improve the lives and well-being of Nigerians is yet to meet the expectations of the citizens. The economic strain is being felt by all and sundry.

    “This dire situation has fuelled frustration and discontent, culminating in the recent nationwide protests on hunger. The demands made during the protests reflect the deep-seated challenges facing the country and the urgent need for responsive and effective governance”.

    The elder statesmen said the stakeholders’ meeting was in response to the development and in line with the NPC mandate to mediate and intervene in electoral and non-electoral matters that impact the peace and stability of Nigeria, that the NPC decided to convene the one-day town hall meeting with critical stakeholders to discuss frankly and explore the pathways to support the government in addressing and overcoming the current socio-political and economic situation facing the country.

  • First Lady’s RHI partners NPC, UNICEF on birth resignation in Nigeria

    First Lady’s RHI partners NPC, UNICEF on birth resignation in Nigeria

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has partnered with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on birth registration in the country.

    According to a statement issued on Monday, August 26, by senior special assistant to the First Lady on Media, Busola Kukoyi, the partnership is aimed at further ramping up birth registration in the country with the launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate for the year 2024.

    NPC Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, who disclosed this after leading development partners to the office of the First Lady at the State House in Abuja, said the commemorative event, scheduled for August 29, 2024, will mark a major leap in the government’s effort to offer Nigerian children their first foundational identity.

    “It is a global thing and it took place on August 10, 2024, but we are having this as a special commemorative event with the First Lady championing this drive.

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    “We had a fruitful chat with her and I want to believe that we have a great event ahead of us that will mark the full force drive of birth registration to give Nigerian children their first foundational identity and recognition as our children that will grant access to government services, especially education and health”, Kwarra said.

    Chief Child Protection Officer, UNICEF, Ibrahim Sesay, who was part of the visit, described the launch as important, to close the existing gaps in birth registration and promote a data-driven development plan for children in the country.

    “What is critical is we have been falling short in terms of reaching that obligation. So, the Office of the First Lady through the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI is a platform that we are now using to make sure that every child’s birth in Nigeria starting on the 29th of August gets accelerated birth registration in all parts of the federation”, Sesay said.

    Mr Adedayo Bankole, the Managing Director of Barnksforte Technologies Limited, the technical partner to the NPC, highlighted the digitization of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCVRS) system.

    He emphasized the critical importance of establishing a foundational identity and ensuring the security of data for every child.

    Additionally, he noted the system’s interoperability with other identity agencies, such as the National Identity Management Commission and its seamless access to immunization records and other government social welfare services.

    Mr. Bankole also underscores the authenticity and reliability of the national document for verification purposes.

    The Official Launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate to Birth Registration in Nigeria will hold on Thursday 29th August in Abuja.

  • Why Nigeria should conduct census soon, says NPC chairman

    Why Nigeria should conduct census soon, says NPC chairman

    …we are still waiting for president’s nod – Isa-Kwarra

    The chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa-Kwarra on Monday, July 8, said Nigeria needs to conduct the much-awaited National Population and Housing Census to meet up with the 2020 round of censuses.

    Isa-Kwarra said the commission was ready to conduct the census but waiting for the nod of President Bola Tinubu.

    He disclosed this in Abuja while briefing reporters during the commemoration of the 2024 World Population Day with the theme: ‘Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All’, held at the NPC headquarters.

    Isa-Kwarra said the country would have a very robust census that would provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable but acceptable by all.

    He assured that: “If we start now, we can achieve it. At least the 2020 round of census gives us an opportunity to extend up till April next year. So, if we start preparation now by April next year, we should be able to conduct a census. But we would like to work in November. At the beginning of the year, we wanted to conduct a census in November but we are waiting for that nod. 

    “I agree with you that we do not have up-to-date data because we have not conducted a census. And the global body recommends that we conduct censuses as at when due. Yes, the 2020 round of censuses is ending this year and we have been making advocacy to make sure that we conduct a census before the 2020 round of censuses comes to an end.

    “I want to believe that we will get it right, we are just waiting on President Bola Tinubu to give us the go-ahead. We can do it. The commission is prepared to conduct a census once we have a date proclaimed by the president, we will do it once we have the resources to be able to recruit extra hands to help us. We would have a very robust census that will provide inclusive data that is not just verifiable but acceptable to all.

    “To have the right information/evidence/data for measuring and predicting likely demographic shifts, we need to hold a census that will deploy modern technology to generate timely, reliable and acceptable data required for addressing the different needs of the various population groups and implement interventions that will create opportunities for progress and removes barriers and inhibitions. This will guarantee individuals realizing their full potential.

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    “Nigeria needs to strengthen its data generating institutions; adequately fund periodic data collection exercises that are inclusive and comprehensive; and most importantly provide a legislative frame to engender timely conduct of censuses as well as promote the use of these data to guide policy decisions. Some of the key messages to reflect on going forward, include – That inclusive and reliable data/evidence can enable ascertaining a peaceful and prosperous future, and the building of resilient systems and societies; Data collection and analysis tools should be deployed to facilitate good representation and use of data; That Nigeria should champion data collection that counts people in their diversity and in all their complexity; That our data collection exercise, particularly for the upcoming Population and Housing Census would be Inclusive compliant and leaving no one behind”.

    Nigeria, Isa-Kwarra said was among nations that did not have sufficient, comprehensive, and inclusive data to evaluate its performance, achievements or challenges during the regional review of AADPD+10 and for ICPD@30 PoA reporting during the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development, early this year.

    He said: “Therefore, I wish to reiterate that the theme calls for the evaluation of our data generating systems/institutions; our perceptions on issues of data and has raised a concern we should not ignore, but collectively (government at all levels, individuals, the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), Partners, Donor, leaderships of Religion, Culture and Tradition including the private sectors) resolve it in the shortest possible time”.

    The Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Prince Adeyemi Adeniran said Nigeria needs all-inclusive data to plan.

    Adeniran said NBS is always working hand in hand with NPC to have a credible census acceptable to all.

    “Building a resilient and equitable future requires a collective commitment from every sector and segment Nigerians and Nigeria –

    To our policymakers: Data should be your compass. Let it guide your decisions and ensure they reach every Nigerian.

    To the private sector: Invest in the collection, analysis and utilization of inclusive data. Not only will it benefit society, but it will also unlock new market opportunities by providing a clearer picture of consumer demographics and needs.

    To civil society organizations: Champion the importance of data and ensure all communities are included in the data production process”, he said.

  • NPC seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    NPC seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State in National Population Commission (NPC), Saidat Oladunjoye, has called for collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), on enlightenment campaign on E-birth registration in the state.

    She spoke during a visit to UNICEF’s Country Representative, in Ikoyi, Lagos

    Oladunjoye said this would enable NPC  to get the right data for developmental plans.

    Oladunjoye lauded UNICEF for assisting NPC Lagos and for supporting establishment of electronic registration of birth and death certificate.

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    “UNICEF has always been a partner to us. But we want to seek more collaboration from them and they have promised to help us ensure we have birth certificate that we are printing.

    “They promised to print it for us. They also promised to give us the opportunity to have more spaces at the health centres. They promised to do plenty things for us. They are happy about our visit.

    “UNICEF is about children. So, they are going to help us settle some challenges we have, especially getting children immunised and more.

    “The present system of birth registration took off with establishment of the commission in 1988 and the programme was officially legalised and domicilled with the commission.

    “The state office ensured there are functional register centres in local governments, resulting in four centres each (142) in the state,” she said

  • NPC Lagos seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    NPC Lagos seeks collaboration with UNICEF

    Federal commissioner representing Lagos state in the board of National Population Commission (NPC), Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye, has called for the collaboration of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on the enlightenment campaign towards the proposed E-birth registration in the the state.

    She made this call during a courtesy visit to UNICEF’s country representative at the Lagos office at Ikoyi.

    Oladunjoye added that this would enable NPC to have right data for developmental plans in the state.

    Oladunjoye lauded UNICEF for its assistance towards NPC Lagos and for supporting the establishment of electronic registration of birth and death certificate.

    “We came this morning on a courtesy call to UNICEF. They have always been a partner to us. But we want to seek more collaboration from them and they have promised to help us ensure that we have outstanding birth certificate that we are printing.

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    “They promised to print it for us. They also promised to give us the opportunity to have more spaces at the health centers in the state. They promised to do plenty things for us. They are happy about our visit.

    “UNICEF is about children. So, they are going to help us settle some of the challenges we have, especially getting the children immunized and all that.

    “As you are aware, the present system of birth registration took off with the establishment of the commission in 1988 and the programme was officially legalized and domiciled with the Commission as the only legal authority recognized to register all vital events.

    “The state office has also ensured that there are functional registers centers in all the local government areas of the state. This has resulted in each LGA/LCDA having at least four registration centers and a total of one hundred and forty-two (142) throughout the state,” she stated