…launches initiative to boost birth registration in Nigeria
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First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has emphasised the pivotal role of a robust and efficient civil registration system in national development and governance.
The First Lady reiterated on Thursday during the launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate for 2024, which was facilitated through her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), in partnership with the National Population Commission (NPC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
At the event, which was held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Mrs Tinubu stressed the critical importance of birth registration for Nigerian children.
The launch of the UNICEF/RHI Commemorative Birth Certificate for 2024 is a significant step towards ensuring that every Nigerian child is counted, considered, and cared for, as the country strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 16.9.2 – “a legal identity for all, including birth registration”.
“It is important to note that a robust and efficient civil registration system is pivotal to our development and governance.
“This ensures that every live birth is recorded, and forms the basis for policy, planning, and service delivery that meets the needs of all Nigerians. This is more than an administrative task; it provides the foundation for our social security”, she said.
She highlighted the benefits accruable to any society that prioritizes birth registration which includes proper and adequate planning by the government.
“Our children, the treasure of our nation, should be guaranteed their rights and privileges from the onset. A well-functioning civil registration and vital statistics safeguard these rights and ensure that no violation goes unnoticed.
“To all parents, birth registration is very vital. It is the child’s legal proof of identity, as a Nigerian, without which children will not be fully recognised by the Government. They could miss out on the government’s provision of healthcare, education, and other social amenities.
“Without a birth certificate, children will be unable to prove their age and this puts them at a great disadvantage. I, therefore, encourage all parents to register the birth of their children and obtain authentic birth certificates recognised by the government”, the First Lady said.
The First Lady commended UNICEF for its leadership and commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to advance birth registrations and issuance of birth certificates to children.
She also congratulated the National Population Commission, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, National Identity Management Commission, and private sector partner, Banksforte Technologies Limited, for their initiative to issue a national identification number to every child at birth, starting in 2024.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described the initiative as a clarion call for collective action, urging all Nigerians to support what he called a vital cause.
Akpabio praised the First Lady for her leadership and dedication to improving the welfare of children in Nigeria.
Represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on National Population, Abdul Ningi, the President of the Senate highlighted that birth registration is the first official acknowledgement of a child’s existence by the state, granting them access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
Akpabio called on all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and community leaders, to unite in making the initiative a success.
In closing, he urged everyone to embrace their shared responsibility in fostering a future where every Nigerian child is recognized and valued, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.
NPC chairman, Nasir Kwarra, highlighted that the commemorative event represents a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to offer Nigerian children their first foundational identity, which will grant them access to essential government services such as education and healthcare.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Barnksforte Technologies Limited, the technical partner to the National Population Commission, Mr Adedayo Bankoke, stressed the vital role of establishing a foundational identity and ensuring the security of data for every child.
UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding birth registration services, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
She noted the successful rollout of the digital Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (eCRVS) system, which has improved registration rates and established a foundation for children’s rights and services.
She recalled that in 2023, the government, with UNICEF’s support, set an ambitious goal to register over 11.5 million children under five. While this achievement is commendable, Munduate acknowledged ongoing challenges in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, emphasising the need to strengthen the capacities of the National Population Commission (NPC) and enhance public awareness campaigns.
The UNICEF Country Rep called for increased social mobilization and the involvement of traditional and religious leaders to boost birth registration rates. Munduate praised the eCRVS system for its real-time registration capabilities and urged collective action from all sectors to ensure every child receives the identity they deserve.
She called for optimism and collaboration to create a sustainable birth registration system that serves all Nigerian children.
UNICEF’s Chief Child Protection Officer, Ibrahim Sesay, underscored the significance of the launch in closing existing gaps in birth registration and promoting data-driven development plans for children in Nigeria.
On his part, the Dein of Agbor HRM Dr Benjamin Keagborekuzi noted the pivotal role women play in achieving success in all aspects of life. The Paramount ruler also urged the youth to be patient with the present administration.
Other traditional rulers present, including the Ooni of Ife, Emir of Shonga, Etsu Nupe and the Tor Tiv lent their voices to the cause saying the availability of birth data forms the basis for the country’s social security.
There was the symbolic electronic registration of children at the event.
Also present were the wives of state governors who were to cascade the drive to enhance birth registration in their various states.
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