Samu’ila Danko Makama; Demographer who conducted the first population census in Nigeria as chairman of National Population Commission NPC. Makama’s 2006 Census was a head count that was tailored to suit the millennium Development Goals. It showed the actual number of persons living in the country, the number of males and females, the age composition of the population, and the literacy and employment level in the country.
Makama was born in Gindri, Plateau State of Nigeria on the August 16, 1944. In 1972, he graduated with a degree from political science at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He also attended the institute of public service training centre, University of Connecticut between 1975 1976, where he obtained a certificate in Project analysis and management.
Coming from the civil service where he attained the post of a Federal permanent Secretary, Makama actively engaged in the developmental works, his abilities attracting the attention of President Obasanjo who appointed him as chairman of the NPC. Before his appointment, he served as Nigeria’s governor to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC, and national representative of the African Petroleum Producing Association APPA.