Minister Mohammed Idris Mourns Death of NPC Chairman, Aminu Yusuf Wushishi
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed deep sadness over the death of the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, also known as Talban Wushishi.
Dr. Wushishi died on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 66. News of his death has caused sadness among government officials, colleagues and people who knew him.
In a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris described Wushishi's death as deeply painful. He described it as a major loss to the NPC, the public service and Nigeria as a whole.
The minister said Wushishi was close to him and was a public servant committed to national development. According to Idris, although Wushishi spent only a relatively short period as Chairman of the NPC, he demonstrated dedication and determination to carry out work that could benefit Nigeria.
Wushishi's Appointment as NPC Chairman
Wushishi became Chairman of the NPC after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed him to the position on December 3, 2025.
He became the eighth substantive chairman of the commission and began working on plans aimed at strengthening and modernising the institution.
One of the major responsibilities before him was the development of a reliable Population and Housing Census that would make greater use of modern technology.
Idris said the objective was important because accurate population data can provide government with essential information for planning, policymaking and national development.
His Vision for a Technology-Driven Census
According to the minister, Wushishi's determination to promote a technology-driven and credible census demonstrated his sense of responsibility and commitment to leaving a positive legacy.
The census is particularly important because population information is used in areas such as infrastructure planning, healthcare, education, housing and other government programmes.
Idris therefore noted that some of the programmes and preparations Wushishi initiated could form part of his legacy even after his death.
Wushishi's Public Service Career
Before becoming Chairman of the NPC, Wushishi had accumulated considerable experience in government and community development.
He previously served as Chairman of Wushishi Local Government Area and was also elected as a member of the Niger State House of Assembly.
He also served as a member of the NAFDAC Governing Council and as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor of Niger State.
These positions gave him experience in local government administration, legislative work, public policy and political affairs.
Role in Education and Community Development
Wushishi was also the National President of the Niger State College of Education Alumni Association, Minna, before President Tinubu appointed him to head the NPC.
His experience in education, administration and community service was considered part of the background he brought to his role at the population commission.
His supporters and colleagues have therefore remembered him not only for his brief tenure at the NPC but also for his wider contributions to public service.
Minister Extends Condolences to Niger State
Minister Mohammed Idris extended his condolences to the government and people of Niger State, particularly the people of Wushishi, where the deceased held the traditional title Talban Wushishi.
He also sympathised with the late chairman's family, friends, colleagues and members of staff of the NPC.
The minister prayed for God to give them the strength to cope with the loss.
Prayer for the Late NPC Chairman
As a Muslim, Idris also prayed that Allah forgive the deceased's shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
He prayed for comfort for everyone mourning the death of Dr. Wushishi.
The prayer reflects the significance of Wushishi's death to his family, community, colleagues and associates across Niger State and beyond.
A Loss to Nigeria's Census Programme
Wushishi's death comes at a significant period for the National Population Commission.
The commission has an important responsibility in collecting and managing population data needed for national planning. Modernising the census process and improving the reliability of population information remain major national priorities.
For this reason, Idris viewed Wushishi's death as more than the loss of an individual public servant. It also represents the loss of a leader who had begun contributing to the commission's efforts to modernise population data collection.
Conclusion
The death of Dr. Aminu Yusuf Wushishi at the age of 66 has drawn condolences from government officials, colleagues, friends and his community.
Minister Mohammed Idris described him as a dedicated public servant whose relatively short tenure as NPC Chairman was marked by determination to strengthen the commission and promote a credible, technology-driven population and housing census.
With his previous experience in local government, the Niger State House of Assembly, NAFDAC and political administration, Wushishi leaves behind a record of public service spanning several areas.
His death is particularly significant for the NPC at a time when the commission is working to improve Nigeria's population data and census systems.
For his family, colleagues and the people of Wushishi, however, the immediate concern is mourning their loss and remembering a man who served his community and country in several public capacities.