The Chairman National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Isa-Kwarra has ended his five-year tenure.

He handed over leadership of the NPC to the Federal Commissioner Muhammad Dattijo, who represents Niger State.

Dattijo will serve as acting Chairman until Aminu Yusuf is sworn in as Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

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

In a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, Kwarra thanked his colleagues and subordinates for their cooperation during his tenure.

The statement reads: “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, digitizing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system and advancing preparations for the forthcoming national Population and Housing Census”.

He added the achievements recorded under his leadership were made possible through collective commitment and professionalism, the statement noted.

The occasion was marked by emotional farewells and tributes, including the signing of the official handover notes, the presentation of a gift to Kwarra, and a group photograph to commemorate the day.

Kwarra, appointed in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, led the commission during one of its most critical periods, the build-up to Nigeria’s first population and housing census in nearly two decades.

The last national census was conducted in 2006, making the forthcoming exercise a key national priority. (The Nation)