The Chairman of National Population Commission, (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, on Tuesday, appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Population and National Identity Card to present the Commission’s 2025 budget performance and defend its 2026 budget proposal at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Dr. Yusuf was accompanied by the Federal Commissioner representing Anambra State, Nze Chidi Christopher Ezeoke; the Federal Commissioner representing Benue State, Barr. Patricia Iyanya Kupchi; several Directors of the Commission; and members of the Chairman’s Senior Technical Team.
During the budget defense session, Dr. Yusuf disclosed that the sum of N18.28 billion was appropriated to the Commission as Capital Expenditure for 2025.
He, however, lamented that no part of the approved amount was released, a situation that severely stalled the Commission’s planned activities for the year.
“The non-release of the 2025 capital funds negatively impacted our programmes.
We were unable to implement several critical projects due to financial constraints,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
He further explained that the Commission relied solely on its recurrent budget, limiting its ability to expand operations, upgrade infrastructure, and execute key initiatives integral to its mandate.
Dr. Yusuf emphasized the urgent need for increased funding and timely release of budgetary allocations to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its objectives, particularly as it continues preparations for upcoming national Population and Housing Census and the ongoing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Population and National Identity Card, Hon. Okunjimi Odimayo expressed concern over the non-release of capital funds to the Commission, noting that such lapses undermine effective planning and institutional performance.
He called on Federal Government to devise measures to ensure timely and adequate disbursement of funds for the NPC’s 2026 capital budget to enable the Commission achieve its statutory goals.
