The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, popularly known as Talban Wushishi, has died at the age of 66.
Yusuf died in Abuja on Friday, August 28, 2026, following a brief illness, according to a statement issued by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Adelayo Olurode.
His death came less than nine months after he assumed office as the eighth substantive chairman of the NPC, having been sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on December 3, 2025.
During his short tenure, Yusuf initiated a Seven-Point Agenda focused on repositioning the Commission and strengthening its role in providing credible demographic data for national planning and development.
The NPC described the late chairman as “a dedicated patriot, an astute administrator, and a compassionate leader” whose commitment to national development remained unwavering.
Born on April 15, 1960, in Wushishi, Niger State, Yusuf had a long record of public service spanning education, governance, grassroots politics and community development.
Before his appointment to head the NPC, he served as Executive Chairman of Wushishi Local Government Area and was a Member-elect of the Niger State House of Assembly.
He also served as a board member of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and as Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Governor of Niger State.
Until his appointment as NPC chairman, Yusuf was the National President of the Niger State College of Education Alumni Association, Minna, as well as Co-Chairman of the Senator Abubakar Sani Bello Skill Acquisition and Development Committee.
The Commission said his death represented a significant loss to Nigeria, particularly at a time when reliable population and demographic data remain critical to effective development planning.
“On behalf of the Honourable Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Management, and entire staff of the National Population Commission, we extend our deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government and people of Niger State, and the entire Yusuf family,” the statement said.
The NPC prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, while also giving his family, friends and associates the strength to cope with the loss.
