The swearing-in ceremony of 17 National Population Commission (NPC) commissioners took place on Wednesday at the council chamber of the State House in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, preceding the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
Among the commissioners, nine were re-appointed for a second term, while eight were new appointees.
The new commissioners are Emmanuel Eke (Abia), Chidi Ezeoke (Anambra), Alex Ukam (Cross River), Blessyn Brume-Maguha (Delta), and Jeremiah Nwankwegu (Ebonyi). Additionally, Sa’adatu Garba (Kaduna), Aminu Tsanyawa (Kano), Yori Afolabi (Kogi), Mary Afan (Plateau), and Ogiri Henry (Rivers) have joined the commission.
Returning commissioners include Isa Buratai (Borno), Tony Alyejina (Edo), Clifford Zirra (Adamawa), Ejike Ezeh (Enugu), Abubakar Damburam (Gombe), Uba Nnabue (Imo), and Sani Sale (Taraba).
The ceremony was attended by several federal government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, and ministers.
Previously, President Tinubu had submitted 19 nominees to the senate for screening and confirmation as NPC commissioners, but only 17 were present for the screening and confirmation process.
The NPC is responsible for collecting, collating, analyzing, and publishing data about the Nigerian people and economy, making it a crucial institution for the nation’s development.