The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, has died, barely eight months after assuming office under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Wushishi reportedly died on Friday, August 28, 2026, with news of his death reaching Minna, the Niger State capital, around the time of the Juma’at prayer.
His death has triggered mourning among associates, political stakeholders and members of the Kontagora Emirate, where he was regarded as a prominent figure.
Wushishi, a former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State, was said to have taken ill shortly before his death.
Confirming the development, his Special Adviser on Media, Stanley Nwosu, told Vanguard that the NPC chairman had died after a brief illness.
“Yes, it is true. The NPC chairman died after a brief illness,” Nwosu said.
Wushishi formally assumed office as NPC chairman on December 2, 2025, following his appointment by President Tinubu. He succeeded Nasir Kwarra, who concluded his tenure as chairman of the commission in December 2020.
The late NPC chairman had a strong academic background and held several public service positions before his appointment to lead the commission.
Mourning in Kontagora
The Digital Rector of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Amb. Ibrahim Umar Kontagora, described Wushishi’s death as a painful loss to the Kontagora Emirate, Niger State and Nigeria.
In a condolence message, Kontagora said: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the Digital Rector, Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Amb Ibrahim Umar Kontagora PhD extends his deepest condolences to the entire good people of Kontagora Emirate over the painful loss of Alhaji Aminu Yusuf Talba Wushishi, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).”
He added: “His passing is a great loss not only to his immediate family and loved ones, but also to the people of Kontagora Emirate, Niger State, and Nigeria at large.”
According to him, “He was a distinguished personality whose contributions and service to humanity will remain a lasting part of his legacy.”
Kontagora further prayed for divine mercy for the deceased, saying: “At this difficult moment, we pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus, and gives his family, colleagues, friends, and the entire Kontagora Emirate the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss.”
He added: “May Allah grant us all a good ending and make our final destination Jannatul Firdaus.”
He concluded: “Amin Ya Rabbal Alamin.”
Details of Wushishi’s death, including the circumstances surrounding his reported illness and funeral arrangements, were still being awaited as of the time of filing this report.
