In a strong call for renewed national action, kakalistiq.com reports that the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has declared that Nigeria can no longer plan effectively with outdated demographic figures, stressing that Lagos State has witnessed sweeping changes since the last census exercise two decades ago.
Dr. Yusuf made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, as part of the Commission’s nationwide engagements ahead of the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
Describing the mission of the visit as a matter of national urgency, the NPC Chairman said it was anchored on a “fundamental national concern,” which is the need for reliable, current and policy-relevant population data to drive development planning.
“The last Population and Housing Census was conducted in 2006. Since then, Lagos State has undergone profound demographic transformations,” Dr. Yusuf stated. “Communities have expanded, informal settlements have multiplied, and daily inflows of migrants continue to reshape the State’s social and economic landscape.”
He explained that sectors such as housing, transportation, education, healthcare, waste management and security are still being planned with figures that no longer reflect present realities, a situation he said calls for a credible, inclusive and transparent census.
Dr. Yusuf disclosed that the Commission has completed critical technical groundwork, including digital community mapping, refined enumeration frameworks and advanced data management systems designed to capture Lagos’ complex urban structure and high mobility patterns.
Beyond the census, the NPC Chairman highlighted the importance of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, which ensures continuous registration of births and deaths, commending Lagos State for its support in strengthening the programme.
“In a dynamic state like Lagos, a functional CRVS system ensures children are properly documented for education, healthcare, and social protection,” he said.
He also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu’s role as Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum and called for stronger regional collaboration to ensure census readiness and civil registration reforms across the zone.
Dr. Yusuf reaffirmed the NPC’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and national service, pledging sustained partnership with the Lagos State Government to promote data-driven governance and sustainable development.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the Commission of the state’s continued support, acknowledging that accurate demographic data remains vital for effective national development planning and sound policy formulation.
The NPC Chairman was accompanied by the Federal Commissioner representing Lagos State, Barr. Saidat Olayinka Oladunjoye; the Federal Commissioner for Ogun State, Dr. Fasuwa Johnson Abayomi; the Federal Commissioner for Osun State, Dr. Amidu Tadese Raheem; the Federal Commissioner for Ondo State, Hon. Victoria Olukemi Iyantan, alongside senior officials of the NPC Lagos State Office.
