“NPC is More Critical than INEC”—Chairman Decries Funding Gaps, Partners CIMICO on Population Management
The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has decried the persistent underfunding of the Commission, arguing that its role in national development and security is more sensitive and foundational than that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dr. Yusuf made these remarks while receiving the Coordinator of the Centre for Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMICO), Dr. Adams Otakwu, mni, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. The two organizations met to explore strategic partnerships in Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) and population management.
The Funding Crisis: “NPC is Nigeria”
In a candid assessment of the Commission’s status, Dr. Yusuf lamented that despite the NPC’s mandate being the bedrock of national planning, it continues to struggle for resources while other agencies receive priority.
“The National Population Commission is Nigeria, and Nigeria is the Commission, whether we like it or not,” Dr. Yusuf asserted. “I strongly believe that the Commission is even more sensitive and important than INEC. Yet, while INEC receives regular funding, the NPC continues to struggle financially.”
He pledged to reposition the agency, ensuring that stakeholders recognize the NPC not just as a “census body” but as a permanent institution for continuous national data.
Beyond the Census: Focusing on Vital Statistics
The Chairman emphasized that the Commission must shift its focus toward the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, which tracks the life cycle of every citizen.
Key priorities highlighted by the Chairman include:
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* Birth and Death Registration: Ensuring every life event is officially captured.
* Migration Patterns: Tracking internal and external population mobility.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Building a narrative that makes population data a daily governance priority rather than a periodic event.
“These are continuous national responsibilities that should not go dormant after census periods,” he noted, urging CIMICO to submit a formal proposal for a structured action plan.
CIMICO: Data as a Strategic Security Asset
In his remarks, Dr. Adams Otakwu, mni, the Coordinator of CIMICO, described accurate population data as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security and national development architecture.
Dr. Otakwu advocated for the urgent conduct of the next national census, arguing that without reliable demographic information, government policies will remain “reactive rather than proactive.”
“Population management must be treated as a core component of Nigeria’s security,” Otakwu asserted. He called for a significant increase in budgetary allocation for the NPC, describing it as “the people’s Commission.”
The Path to Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to develop a formal framework for collaboration. CIMICO intends to support the Commission through:
* Advocacy: Pushing for increased funding at the executive and legislative levels.
* Mapping: Identifying civil society actors to support grassroots data collection.
* Public Engagement: Sensitizing citizens on the importance of birth and death registration.
The partnership underscores a growing consensus among policy experts that Nigeria’s path to sustainable development is inextricably linked to the integrity and availability of its population data.
By PRNigeria
