The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Dr Aminu Yusuf Wushishi, has died after a brief illness, about eight months after taking charge of the commission.
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 his associates, political contacts and people within Niger State.
The former Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party in Niger State was said to have been ill shortly before his death.
His Special Adviser on Media, Stanley Nwosu, confirmed that the NPC chairman had died following a short illness.
Wushishi’s death was also mourned by the Digital Rector of Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Amb. Ibrahim Umar Kontagora, who described the development as a painful loss to the Kontagora Emirate, Niger State and Nigeria.
Kontagora expressed sympathy with Wushishi’s family, friends, colleagues and other people who were affected by his death. He also prayed for the deceased and asked God to grant him eternal rest.
Wushishi was appointed Chairman of the National Population Commission and formally assumed office on December 2, 2025.
Before his appointment, he had built a career in public service and was involved in political and administrative activities in Niger State.
He also had an extensive academic background and had served in different public roles before becoming head of the population commission.
Wushishi took over from Nasir Kwarra, who completed his five-year tenure as chairman of the commission in December 2020.
The National Population Commission is responsible for population-related activities in Nigeria, including the planning and coordination of population census exercises.
Wushishi’s tenure at the commission was brief, lasting less than a year before his death.
Further information about the cause of his death and arrangements for his funeral was not immediately available as of the time of filing the report.
His death leaves the commission awaiting further direction from the Federal Government on the leadership of the agency.