The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Mr. Nasir Kwarra, has formally handed over leadership to Mr. Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State.
A statement on Wednesday by Mrs. Samiat Lawal, Director of Public Affairs at the NPC, said the handover took place on Tuesday in Abuja following the completion of Kwarra’s five-year tenure.
Dattijo will serve as Acting Chairman pending the swearing-in of Mr. Aminu Yusuf, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the substantive Chairman of the Commission.
The symbolic ceremony marked a smooth transition of administrative responsibilities, in line with public service protocols and the Commission’s succession procedures.
In his remarks, Kwarra expressed gratitude to Federal Commissioners, management, and staff for their commitment and professionalism, which he said sustained the Commission’s progress during his administration. He highlighted key achievements, including strengthening Nigeria’s demographic data systems, digitising civil registration, and advancing preparations for the forthcoming National Population and Housing Census.
Appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kwarra’s tenure brought institutional renewal and technological transformation, positioning the NPC as a data-driven agency for evidence-based national planning.
Under his leadership, the Commission achieved significant milestones in digital mapping, census preparedness, and geo-spatial innovations, paving the way for Nigeria’s first fully digital Population and Housing Census.
Lawal noted that Kwarra oversaw the successful implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) and the National Geo-Referenced Data Repository projects, which modernised Nigeria’s demographic data infrastructure and improved evidence-based decision-making across government levels.
Kwarra also strengthened collaboration with key development partners, including UNFPA, World Bank, UNICEF, and UNECA, to enhance data quality, institutional capacity, and inter-agency coordination. His administration prioritised staff welfare, accountability, and capacity development, fostering innovation and professionalism nationwide.
With Kwarra’s exit, Dattijo officially assumed duties as Acting Chairman, ensuring operational continuity until Yusuf’s formal inauguration by President Tinubu. The Senate confirmed Yusuf’s appointment on October 21 after adopting the report of its committee on National Identity and National Population, chaired by Senator Victor Umeh.
