The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, on Tuesday, officially concluded his five-year tenure, marking the end of a period characterised by extensive preparations for Nigeria’s long-awaited national census.
At a brief handover ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Kwarra transferred leadership to the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, Muhammad Dattijo, who will now serve as Acting Chairman pending the swearing-in of Aminu Yusuf by President Bola Tinubu.
In his valedictory remarks, Kwarra expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, for the opportunity to serve the nation. He commended the dedication of the Commission’s staff and commissioners, noting that the agency had made significant progress in modernising Nigeria’s population data management systems.
“I am confident that under the new leadership, the Commission will sustain its drive towards credible, technology-driven demographic data collection to support national planning and development,” Kwarra said.
Responding, Dattijo thanked Kwarra for his leadership and pledged to ensure continuity in ongoing projects, especially preparations for the national population and housing census.
“We will build on the solid foundation laid by the outgoing chairman and continue working to deliver accurate and reliable demographic data for the country,” Dattijo assured.
The handover comes as the Commission awaits the formal swearing-in of Aminu Yusuf, who has been nominated by President Tinubu as the substantive Chairman of the NPC.
