NPC Chairman Kwarra Steps down, Dattijo Steps In as Acting Boss

The Chairman of the National Population Commission, Nasir Kwarra, has completed his five-year tenure and officially handed over to Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, who will now serve as the acting chairman.

The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the NPC headquarters in Abuja. It was attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, top directors, and other staff members of the commission.

According to a statement released by the NPC on Wednesday, Kwarra expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the commission for their cooperation and support during his time in office. He noted that the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through teamwork and dedication.

During his time in office, Kwarra led several reforms aimed at improving data collection, digitising the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, and preparing for Nigeria’s long-awaited national population and housing census.

The event featured farewells, presentations, and the official signing of handover notes, with staff and colleagues commending Kwarra’s efforts to modernise census operations in the country.

Kwarra, who was appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, oversaw the commission’s preparations for Nigeria’s first national census in nearly 20 years. The last census was conducted in 2006.

Although the planned census was postponed in 2023 due to the change in government, the process is expected to continue under the leadership of the incoming substantive chairman, Aminu Yusuf, whose swearing-in by President Bola Tinubu is awaited.

Until then, Dattijo will oversee the commission’s ongoing projects and ensure a smooth transition as Nigeria works toward completing its delayed census for national planning and development.