Nasir Kwarra tenure ends after five years as NPC chairman; Dattijo assumes acting leadership pending Aminu Yusuf’s swearing-in.
Nasir Kwarra tenure ends after five years as Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), with the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, Muhammad Dattijo, assuming office as Acting Chairman.
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The transition took place on Tuesday during a brief but symbolic handover ceremony at the NPC headquarters in Abuja, attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and staff of the Commission.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, the Commission said Kwarra expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues for their support, describing his time in office as both challenging and rewarding.
“Hon. Kwarra expressed appreciation to the Federal Commissioners, Management and Staff of the NPC for their unwavering support and dedication throughout his five-year tenure,” the statement read.
He highlighted major achievements including the strengthening of data collection systems, the digitisation of the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system, and significant progress in preparations for Nigeria’s forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
Kwarra noted that the Commission’s success was the product of collective professionalism and unity of purpose. The handover event featured emotional farewells, signing of official documents, presentation of a commemorative gift, and a group photograph to mark the occasion.
Dattijo will lead the Commission in an acting capacity until the swearing-in of **Aminu Yusuf**, who has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the substantive Chairman.
Appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kwarra presided over the NPC during one of its most critical phases — the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.
Under his leadership, the Commission adopted new digital mapping technologies and completed extensive enumeration area demarcation, marking a shift towards a modern, data-driven census system.
Although the 2023 national census was postponed due to the change in administration, Kwarra’s tenure laid the groundwork for its eventual execution.
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As the Nasir Kwarra tenure ends, stakeholders expect the incoming leadership under Aminu Yusuf to consolidate these reforms and deliver a credible census crucial for evidence-based planning and equitable national development.
Ibrahim Onipede is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
