The Chairman of Nigeria’s National Population Commission, Dr Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, has died, barely eight months after assuming leadership of the commission.
Wushishi reportedly died on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by his Special Adviser on Media, Stanley Nwosu, who said the NPC chairman passed away after taking ill.
“Yes, it is true. The NPC chairman died after a brief illness,” Nwosu said.
News of Wushishi’s death reportedly reached Minna, Niger State, around the time of the Juma’at prayer, prompting mourning among his associates, political colleagues and members of the Kontagora Emirate.
Wushishi, also known as Talban Wushishi, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2025 to lead the population commission. He was sworn in at the Presidential Villa on December 2, 2025, and formally began his tenure the following day.
His death comes at a significant time for the NPC, an institution responsible for producing critical demographic data used in national planning, development policies and population management.
Before becoming NPC chairman, Wushishi had been involved in public service and political administration. He was also a former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Niger State.
The news has triggered reactions from political associates and other stakeholders in Niger State. The Digital Rector of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Ambassador Ibrahim Umar Kontagora, described the death as a painful loss to the Kontagora Emirate, Niger State and Nigeria.
Wushishi was born on April 15, 1960, in Wushishi, Niger State, according to the NPC’s official biography, making him 66 at the time of his death.
He succeeded Nasir Isa Kwarra as chairman after Kwarra’s five-year tenure ended in 2025. Wushishi’s relatively short tenure means the commission will now face the task of managing a leadership transition while continuing its statutory responsibilities.
Details of his funeral arrangements were still being awaited as of the time of reporting.
