Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has received the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Dr. Aminu Yusuf, at Lagos House, Marina, to discuss the critical role of credible population data in effective governance and development planning in Lagos State.
During the meeting, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos, as Nigeria’s fastest-growing city and economic hub, requires accurate and reliable population figures to guide its infrastructure and service delivery plans. He noted that without a clear and realistic understanding of the number of people living in the state, it would be difficult to plan adequately for housing, transportation, healthcare, education, and other essential public services.
The governor explained that population data is a foundation for development, as it influences decisions on road construction, school expansion, hospital capacity, and the distribution of social amenities. He stressed that realistic figures would enable government to allocate resources more efficiently and respond better to the needs of residents.
Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Dr. Yusuf of Lagos State’s readiness to support the work of the National Population Commission in achieving a credible and transparent population process. He added that the state is committed to providing the necessary cooperation to ensure that data collection exercises are carried out smoothly and accurately.
However, the governor also stressed the importance of a process that truly reflects the demographic realities of Lagos, given its unique status as a commercial and migration hub. He noted that reliable population numbers are essential not only for planning but also for ensuring fairness in national policies and development programmes.
Dr. Yusuf, in his remarks, acknowledged the strategic importance of Lagos in national population planning and assured the governor that the Commission remains committed to delivering credible data that will support national and state-level development goals.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing on the need for sustained collaboration to ensure that population figures are dependable and can serve as a strong basis for infrastructure development and improved service delivery for all Lagos residents.
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