Aminu Yusuf, Nigeria's National Population Commission Chairman, dies

Dr. Aminu Yusuf Talban Wushishi, the Chairman of Nigeria’s National Population Commission (NPC), has died at the age of 66 following a brief illness. His death was reported on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Appointed by President Bola Tinubu and sworn in in December 2025, Yusuf served as the eighth substantive chairman of the commission. During his eight-month tenure, he championed a seven-point agenda focused on modernizing Nigeria’s demographic data systems, including the nationwide rollout of the VitalReg digital registration platform.

Before his appointment to the NPC, Yusuf held several public service roles, including Executive Chairman of the Wushishi Local Government Area and a board member of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Government officials and the NPC have expressed condolences, describing him as a dedicated patriot and an astute administrator. His passing is expected to necessitate a leadership transition at the commission, which is vital for national planning and the upcoming population and housing census.