- NPC says Nigeria cannot continue planning with 2006 census figures.
- Lagos has undergone major demographic shifts in two decades.
- Commission assures readiness with digital mapping and improved data systems.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has declared that Nigeria can no longer continue development planning with outdated demographic figures, stressing that Lagos State has experienced sweeping transformations since the last census conducted two decades ago.
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Dr. Yusuf made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
The visit forms part of the Commission’s nationwide stakeholder engagements ahead of the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
Describing the mission as a matter of national urgency, the NPC Chairman said the engagement was anchored on what he called a “fundamental national concern,” emphasizing the urgent need for reliable, current and policy-relevant population data.
“The last Population and Housing Census was conducted in 2006. Since then, Lagos State has undergone profound demographic transformations,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
He noted that communities have expanded significantly, informal settlements have multiplied, and daily migration inflows continue to reshape the state’s social and economic landscape.
“Communities have expanded, informal settlements have multiplied, and daily inflows of migrants continue to reshape the State’s social and economic landscape,” he said.
According to him, critical sectors including housing, transportation, education, healthcare, waste management and security are still being planned using outdated figures that no longer reflect present realities.
He disclosed that the Commission has completed key technical preparations for the exercise, including digital community mapping, refined enumeration frameworks and advanced data management systems designed to effectively capture Lagos’ complex urban structure and high mobility patterns.
Beyond the population census, Dr. Yusuf highlighted the importance of strengthening the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system to ensure continuous registration of births and deaths.
“In a dynamic state like Lagos, a functional CRVS system ensures children are properly documented for education, healthcare, and social protection,” he explained.
The NPC Chairman commended Lagos State for its support in strengthening the CRVS programme and also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu in his capacity as Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum, calling for enhanced regional collaboration to ensure census readiness and civil registration reforms across the zone.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and national service.
“We remain committed to professionalism, transparency and sustained partnership with Lagos State to promote data-driven governance and sustainable development,” Dr. Yusuf added.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the Commission of the state government’s continued support, acknowledging that accurate demographic data remains vital for effective national 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.
