President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr Aminu Yusuf, two commissioners of the agency, and five Federal Permanent Secretaries.
The brief swearing-in ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, shortly before the President chaired the Federal Executive Council meeting.
Tinubu arrived at the chamber at 1:31 p.m., after which the citations of the appointees were read.
The five permanent secretaries — Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Dr. John Ezeamama, Dr. Abdul-Sule Garba, Dr. Isiaku Mohammed and Dr. Ukaire Chigbowu — took their oaths of office at 1:42 p.m. and signed the official register.
At 1:47 p.m., Dr. Yusuf, who was appointed on October 9 as NPC chairman, was sworn in alongside two commission members, including Dr. Tonga Betara from Yobe State.
Speaking after the ceremony, a senior presidency official, who witnessed the proceedings, said the appointments underscored the administration’s focus on efficient governance and data-driven development.
“The President expects the NPC leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s demographic data system,” the official said.
“Accurate population figures and proper vital registration are key to national planning.”
The NPC is responsible for conducting national censuses, maintaining vital statistics and generating demographic data required for economic and social development planning.
Before beginning its eighth meeting of the year, the council observed a minute’s silence in honour of former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joy Ogwu, who died on October 13 at the age of 79.
A presidency aide described the gesture as a mark of respect for Ogwu’s contributions to Nigeria’s foreign policy.
“She served the nation with distinction, and the council deemed it important to honour her memory,” the aide said.
