The National Council of State has officially confirmed Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State as the new chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC). Additionally, the Council endorsed presidential clemency for 175 inmates nationwide.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State shared this update with reporters following the Council of State meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He explained that these decisions were made based on recommendations put forward by President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the session.
“On October 9, 2025, the Council convened and one of the key resolutions was the appointment of the NPC Chairman,” Governor Sani stated. “Dr. Aminu Yusuf from Niger State was selected following the President’s recommendation.”
Furthermore, the Council approved the nomination of Alhaji Tonga Betara Bularafa as the Federal Commissioner representing Yobe State on the Commission.
Both appointments received unanimous consent from all Council members present.
“Among those attending were former Presidents and Heads of State, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, alongside governors and other Council members,” the Kaduna governor noted.
Governor Sani also highlighted that the Council reviewed the report from the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which was presented by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), acting on behalf of the President.
“Following thorough discussion, the Council unanimously endorsed the recommendations concerning various categories of clemency,” he added.
The clemency decisions were detailed as follows: 82 inmates received full presidential pardons, 65 had their sentences shortened, and seven death penalties were commuted to life imprisonment.
“In total, 175 individuals were granted mercy under the prerogative of mercy, as proposed by the President and submitted by the Attorney-General,” Governor Sani confirmed.
He concluded by emphasizing that both the appointments and the clemency measures were unanimously approved by the Council of State.
