By Hussein J-Isah
The Chairman of National Population Commission, NPC, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra and his team on Monday visited the newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population, Senator Victor Umeh, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
The courtesy visit aimed to congratulate Sen. Umeh on his recent appointment and discuss collaborative efforts to ensure the successful conduct of NPC activities, particularly the upcoming Population and Housing Census.
Recall that Sen. Victor Umeh succeeded Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and Population following a minor reshuffle of various committees’ leadership announced by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON earlier this month.
In his welcome address, Senator Umeh warmly received the NPC delegation and underscored the critical importance of obtaining accurate population figures and characteristics.
He noted that, “Reliable data is essential for the effective distribution of palliative initiatives,” referencing the challenges that often occur from inaccurate demographic information.
Highlighting a transformative approach for the upcoming census, Sen. Umeh assured the NPC team of the Senate’s support. “Unlike previous censuses, the deployment of modern technology and biometric features in the upcoming Census will streamline processes, enhance data accuracy and ensure credible outcomes,” he said.
Senator Umeh also pledged his commitment to facilitate a meeting between the NPC and the Senate President, aiming to engage President Bola Tinubu to officially proclaim the census date. “The Senate President is committed to supporting the NPC, and I will advocate for the necessary discussions to ensure we move forward swiftly,” he added.
The NPC Chairman, Hon. Kwarra used the occasion to brief Sen. Umeh on the NPC’s mandate and the current status of preparations for the census. He called for the backing of the National Assembly to secure timely and effective execution of Nigeria’s first biometric census.
Hon. Kwarra had in his entourage key NPC officials, including Federal Commissioner for Anambra State, Hon. Chidi Christopher Ezeoke, mni; Federal Commissioner for Taraba State, Hon. Sule Saany Sale; Federal Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Tony Aiyejina; Federal Commissioner, Ebonyi State, Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwagu; Director-General, Dr. Osifo Tellson Ojogun; Director Census Department, Dr. Inuwa Jalingo; Director Account, Hajia Zainab Agbaje; Census Manager, Mrs. Titilayo Hammed; Deputy Director/Protocol to Chairman, Mr. Azeez Amoo and other senior staff.
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