NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra Bows Out After Five Years, Hands Over to Niger Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo as Acting Head

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, on Tuesday, formally concluded his five-year tenure and handed over leadership of the Commission to the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, Muhammad Dattijo, who will now serve as Acting Chairman pending the official swearing-in of Aminu Yusuf by President Bola Tinubu.

The handover ceremony, held at the NPC Headquarters in Abuja, was brief but symbolic, attended by Federal Commissioners, the Director-General, Directors, and staff of the Commission.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the NPC said Kwarra expressed deep appreciation to his colleagues and staff for their support, dedication, and professionalism throughout his tenure.

> “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, highlighting the commission’s strides in strengthening data collection systems, digitising the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census,” the statement read.

Kwarra noted that the Commission’s progress during his tenure was made possible through collective commitment and teamwork, crediting staff for their role in advancing Nigeria’s population data systems.

The event featured emotional tributes, the signing of handover notes, presentation of a farewell gift, and a group photograph to mark the occasion.

With Kwarra’s exit, Dattijo will lead the Commission in an acting capacity, ensuring continuity in ongoing initiatives until the substantive Chairman formally assumes office.

Appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Kwarra’s leadership coincided with one of the Commission’s most critical phases — preparations for Nigeria’s first Population and Housing Census in nearly two decades.

The last national census was held in 2006, making the upcoming exercise a key national development priority.

During his tenure, Kwarra oversaw significant progress in digital mapping and enumeration area demarcation, a technological upgrade designed to modernise census operations and improve data reliability.

However, the census originally scheduled for 2023 was postponed due to the transition of government.

The incoming Chairman, Aminu Yusuf, upon assumption of office, is expected to guide the Commission toward completing the long-awaited census, a milestone seen as vital for evidence-based planning, equitable resource allocation, and sustainable national development.