NPC Chairman seeks royal support to boost birth, death registration in Imo

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, has called on traditional rulers in Imo State to mobilise their communities for effective birth and death registration, as well as the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.

Dr. Yusuf made the appeal on February 26, 2026, during a courtesy visit to Emmanuel Okeke, the Eze Imo and Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, in Owerri. He was accompanied by senior NPC officials, including Federal Commissioners and the Director-General.

The NPC Chairman stressed that traditional institutions are critical partners in generating accurate demographic data necessary for national planning, fair resource distribution and sustainable development.

He noted that royal fathers wield strong influence in their communities, making them indispensable in driving awareness and participation in census and civil registration activities.

While awaiting the official proclamation for the national census, Dr. Yusuf explained that the Commission continues to manage Nigeria’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, with a strong focus on birth and death registration.

He highlighted the importance of birth registration in providing legal identity and access to essential services such as education, healthcare and social protection, warning that unregistered children risk being excluded from critical systems.

Dr. Yusuf urged traditional rulers to intensify public enlightenment efforts, assuring them that census and civil registration processes are safe, confidential and vital for equitable development. He also commended Eze Okeke for his leadership and commitment to peace and unity.

In his response, Eze Okeke thanked the delegation and pledged the support of traditional rulers across Imo State in mobilising residents to participate in the Commission’s programmes.

The visit is part of the NPC’s nationwide engagement strategy to boost public participation in population and vital registration activities.