Nigeria’s National Population Commission (NPC) witnessed a leadership transition on Tuesday as Mr Nasir Isa Kwarra formally handed over to Mr Muhammad Dattijo, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, who will serve as Acting Chairman.
The event, held in Abuja, followed the completion of Kwarra’s five-year tenure and came ahead of the swearing-in of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee, Mr Aminu Yusuf, as the substantive Chairman.
In a statement signed by Mrs Samiat Lawal, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, the handover symbolised a seamless succession process in accordance with civil service traditions and NPC’s internal protocols.
Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, used the occasion to reflect on his administration’s achievements — particularly in digital transformation, data accuracy, and institutional strengthening.
Under his leadership, the Commission moved closer to conducting Nigeria’s first fully digital Population and Housing Census. Key initiatives, including the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) and the National Geo-Referenced Data Repository, positioned the NPC as a data-driven agency capable of supporting evidence-based policy planning.
“These reforms have modernised our demographic data systems, improved planning precision, and elevated Nigeria’s standing in global data management,” Lawal noted.
Kwarra also expanded collaboration with international development partners such as UNFPA, UNICEF, the World Bank, and UNECA, improving data quality and institutional coordination while prioritising staff welfare and capacity building.
As he handed over to Dattijo, Kwarra expressed confidence that the Commission would sustain its reform trajectory and maintain operational stability pending Yusuf’s assumption of office.
The Senate had earlier confirmed Yusuf’s appointment as the substantive NPC Chairman on 21 October after adopting the report of its Committee on National Identity and National Population chaired by Senator Victor Umeh.
With Dattijo now at the helm in an acting capacity, the NPC enters a new chapter aimed at consolidating its role as Nigeria’s premier demographic data institution.
