The National Population Commission (NPC) has announced a leadership change as Muhammad Usman Dattijo takes over from Nasir Isa Kwarra as the acting Executive Chairman pending when Aminu Yusuf shall assume duties as the substantive head.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Samiat Olabimpe Lawal, Director of Public Affairs, following the conclusion of his tenure on October 28, 2025, the Federal Commissioner representing Niger State, Hon. Muhammad Usman Dattijo, has assumed office as Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission.
Mr. Dattijo will oversee the affairs of the Commission pending the formal swearing-in of Hon. Aminu Yusuf (Talban Wushishi), who has been appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as the substantive Chairman of the Commission.
In the statement, Mrs. Lawal reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition and sustaining ongoing digital reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s demographic management system.
The outgoing Chairman was appointed in October 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his term was attributed with institutional renewal and technological transformation.
It was also stated that his tenure was identified by professionalism, strategic focus, and a clear vision that repositioned the Commission as a data-driven institution committed to evidence-based national planning.
Precisely, the NPC was reported to have made some strides in the areas of census preparedness, digital mapping, and geo-spatial innovation.
According to the statement, these strides laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s first-ever Digital Population and Housing Census.
Also attributed to Hon Kwarra’s time in office were the implementation of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (e-CRVS) system and the National Geo-Referenced Infrastructure Geo-Spatial Data Repository, which collectively modernized Nigeria’s demographic data architecture and enhanced data-driven decision-making at all levels of governance.
Hon. Kwarra also strengthened inter-agency coordination and cultivated partnerships with key international development organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Bank, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
The NPC, during his term equally prioritized staff welfare, capacity development, and institutional accountability, promoting a culture of innovation, professionalism, and service excellence within the Commission.
The appointment of Hon. Aminu Yusuf as Chairman of the Commission, it was stated has been confirmed by the Senate, and his assumption of duty will commence officially upon his inauguration by the President.
