(SINL NIGERIA) The Senate committee on National Identity Card and Population on Wednesday screened seven presidential nominees for appointment as Federal Commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC).
The committee at the end of the screening expressed satisfaction with their qualifications and readiness to serve.
The nominees, Kolawole
Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Mu’azu (Zamfara), Usman Tuggar (Bauchi), Dr. Isaka Yahaya (Kwara), Professional. sadiq Radda (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa) and Chiso Dattijo (Sokoto) were
forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate, are expected to fill existing vacancies across various states in the Commission.
The committee noted that the NPC, comprising 36 state representatives and one from the Federal Capital Territory, plays a critical role in national development planning.
Speaking after the screening exercise, the chairman of the committee, Senator Victor Umeh expressed confidence in the calibre of the nominees, described them as highly qualified individuals with the requisite professional experience, academic credentials, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the Commission’s mandate.
He reiterated the urgent need for a credible national census, noting that Nigeria’s last census was conducted nearly two decades ago, saying accurate and up-to-date population data is essential for effective planning, resource allocation, and addressing the diverse needs of the population including children, youths, working adults, and the elderly.
He also highlighted the importance of conducting both population and housing censuses concurrently to provide comprehensive data for policy formulation, particularly in addressing housing deficits across the country.
While acknowledging the President’s commitment to conducting a national census evidenced by the establishment of a Presidential Advisory Committee on the Census, Senator Umeh noted that “the exercise had been deferred due to prevailing electoral activities”.
He however expressed optimism that preparations would continue, with the census expected to take place after the elections.
Meanwhile the committee affirmed its satisfaction with all seven nominees and assured that it would submit its report.
