By Stanley O. Nwosu
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!At the time National Population Commission was grappling with various issues, including outdated census data for projections, financial constraints, the search for a substantive Chairman and a pressing need to conduct the long overdue Population and Housing Census, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra was chosen by former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the NPC. Known as a silent-achiever, bridge-builder, astute administrator and visionary leader, Hon. Kwarra’s achievements in the last four years of his stewardship as the 7th substantive Chairman of National Population Commission stand out in the Commission’s history. His remarkable achievements footprints are loud and more apparent than the sun. Anyone who knew the Commission before and steps into it now doesn’t need someone to tell him that a transformative leader is at the helm of the affairs of the Commission. He is an enigmatic game changer and uncommon transformer who runs an open-door policy that guarantees access to all staff and visitors at the shortest notice. This approach has not only revitalized the NPC but has also cultivated a sense of belonging among its members.
In the words of an American author, John Calvin Maxwell, “A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra embodies this ethos, propelling the NPC toward unprecedented progress. Upon his assumption of office on 28th October 2020, he wasted no time in initiating transformative changes that positioned the NPC as a modern, data-driven Commission. He transformed the Commission from an analogue to a digital organization and earned himself the appellation “Digital Chairman.” He has set the entire operation of the Commission activities on a robust digital framework, starting with the next Census process and the Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system.
Hon. Kwarra has shown great determination, commitment and passion in changing the face of NPC in the last four years. Like a man under grace, his aura unlocked the doors of prosperity and attracted every good thing to the Commission.
As the Commission marks the four-year anniversary of Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra’s chairmanship, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the significant strides the Commission has made under his leadership.
First was the successful completion of the Enumeration Area Demarcation in all 774 LGAs. Before his coming the Commission has only managed to demarcate slightly above 200 LGAs in 6 years due to funding challenges. His proactive engagement with the then President of Nigeria and other governmental authorities resulted in the release of necessary funds used to complete the EAD exercise leading to NPC generating the largest volume of geospatial data in Africa.
Hon. Kwarra spearheaded the development of the VITALREG integrated digital platform for registration and notification of vital statistics such as births, deaths, migration, marriages, divorces etc. This innovative platform has revolutionized the way vital statistics are collected and managed in Nigeria.
Another notable achievement was the development of a home-grown bespoke hybrid Census App, which enables the collection and integration of rich geospatial and statistical data on a single platform. This cutting-edge technology is expected to be replicated or adopted by other countries, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital innovation.
Hon. Kwarra’s vision extends to infrastructure improvement, with long-neglected NPC permanent Headquarters located in the Mabushi district of Abuja undergoing completion as well as the construction of 21 new NPC State Offices and renovation/remodelling of existing NPC State offices in 15 States to ensure a conducive and suitable work environment for staff. Solar energy system was installed in all NPC offices nationwide for the first time to promote sustainability and efficiency. The Commission also established a well-equipped Census Situation Room and constructed a state-of-the-art digital Data Centre in Abuja and Disaster Recovery Centre in Kaduna State to prepare for the next census. The Commission also procured 760,000 Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and stored them in CBN offices nationwide.
Under his leadership, staff members have witnessed unprecedented benefits and improvements. He stabilized and united the members, management and staff of the Commission to work in harmony towards achieving the mandate of the Commission. He has worked tirelessly to motivate and incentivize the staff with a better remuneration package.
Kwarra has prioritized capacity building within the Commission. He initiated training programmes aimed at equipping staff with the necessary skills to handle modern data collection and analysis techniques. This investment in human capital has not only improved the efficiency of the NPC but has also fostered a culture of continuous learning and development. He approved training and retraining for members and staff of the Commission including drivers to build capacity and close skill gaps. 61,548 personnel were trained on census methodology and process.
He has restored the confidence of staff and brightened their hopes of attaining greater heights in their careers. Promotion exams have been regular, prompt and at when due under his administration.
Under his leadership, NPC procured 7 staff buses deployed across various routes, to ease transportation challenges faced by staff members and project vehicles for Directors and State Directors.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Kwarra has worked tirelessly to strengthen partnerships with international organizations such as UNFPA, UNICEF, ECA, World Bank and WHO, academic institutions, and civil society. These alliances brought to the Commission a lot of goodwill and support both technically and in terms of capacity development. The partnerships have enabled the NPC to tap into global best practices, ensuring that Nigeria’s demographic data aligns with international standards.
Hon. Kwarra has led Federal Commissioners and Management Staff on strategic advocacy visits to critical stakeholders across the country, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, former presidents/Heads of State, National Assembly, Judiciary, State Governors, Ministers, Heads of relevant MDAs, prominent Nigerians, development partners and media executives.
NPC has successfully conducted the following national sample surveys under the chairmanship of Hon. Kwarra: Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey (NMIS) – 2021, Fertility and Health Expectation Survey (FHES) – 2022, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) – 2023, Verbal and Social Autopsy Study (VASA) – 2024 (Ongoing).
Under his regime, the Commission introduced the Green Census Initiative. Additionally, the NPC coordinated the formulation and implementation of the revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development launched by former President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigeria’s high fertility rate and promote effective population management.
NPC in collaboration with the National Assembly and UNICEF has started the process of amending the NPC Act in light of the digitization of CRVS and Census process. The amended NPC Act will provide the necessary legal framework for this innovative system, aligning Nigeria with the United Nations Legal Identity Agenda.
One of Kwarra’s hallmark achievements was the official launch of the National Geospatial Data Repository, an electronic portal that warehouses national geographic data and the VitalReg integrated digital platform by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 8th November 2023.
NPC also won the esri 2022 Special Achievement in GIS Award in San Diego, USA as well as the Best Federal MDA Mobile Application Award at the 2024 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards. These awards demonstrate the NPC’s significant contributions to the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda in the public sector and leveraging technology to drive development and improve the lives of Nigerians.
A retrospective look at Hon. Kwarra’s administration shows that he meant well and possesses the will and capacity to pilot the affairs of the Commission. He is a man whose time has come to change the affairs of the Commission. Everything he touches in his hands turns to gold. He leaves a mark of excellence in everything he does. Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra is a respectable and reliable icon, a role model of selflessness and a tremendous source of inspiration to many people. He is a purposeful and resourceful leader with the Midas Touch. He is a humble and simple man who puts the interest of others above narrow considerations as well as believes in equity, fairness, justice and betterment of the lives of people. He has shown an uncommon strength of character and a quiet resilience that only a true leader can possess.
As the NPC continues its mission to provide accurate, reliable and acceptable population data, Kwarra’s leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s demographic landscape. My solemn prayer for him is that God will grant him more wisdom, good health and grace to lead the Commission to conduct the forthcoming Population and Housing Census.
Congratulations once again, my Digital Chairman on this significant milestone!
*Stanley O. Nwosu, a Communication Strategist, Political Economist and Development Expert is the NPC Social Media Manager in Abuja
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