Nasir Kwarra bows out as NPC chairman, Dattijo takes over in acting capacity

The National Population Commission (NPC) has formally announced the completion of the tenure of its Executive Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, marking the conclusion of a defining era in the Commission’s modernisation and reform trajectory.

Appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, Hon. Kwarra’s leadership ushered in a period of institutional renewal and technological transformation.

A statement by the NPC Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Samiat Olabimpe Lawal, disclosed that his tenure provided clear direction, professionalism, and strategic focus that repositioned the Commission as a data-driven institution committed to evidence-based national planning.

Under his stewardship, the NPC made remarkable progress in census preparedness, digital mapping, and geo-spatial innovation, all designed to deliver Nigeria’s first-ever digital Population and Housing Census.

Key among these achievements were the implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system and the National Geo-Referenced Infrastructure Geo-spatial Data Repository projects that modernised Nigeria’s demographic data infrastructure and strengthened decision-making at all levels of government.

Hon. Kwarra also deepened inter-agency coordination and forged partnerships with leading international development organisations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank, United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

His administration placed premium emphasis on staff welfare, capacity development, and institutional accountability, nurturing a culture of innovation and service excellence within the Commission.

With the completion of Hon. Kwarra’s tenure, on 28 October 2025, Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, the Honourable Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, has assumed office as Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission, pending the swearing-in of Hon.

Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi) who has been appointed as the substantive Chairman of the Commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Hon. Yusuf’s appointment has been confirmed by the Senate and his assumption of duty will commence formally upon inauguration by Mr. President.

The Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition, sustaining ongoing digital reforms, and strengthening the institutional momentum toward credible, technology-driven demographic management in the service of national development.

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