The National Population Commission (NPC) has successfully registered more than 10 million children across Nigeria, issuing birth certificates to ensure their legal recognition. This milestone, announced in a statement by NPC’s Director of Public Affairs, Talibat Oloruntoba, highlights the commission’s commitment to securing every child’s identity and future in the country.
During a ceremony in Abuja, NPC Chairman Nasir Kwarra, represented by Katsina State Commissioner Bala Banya, reiterated the commission’s dedication to registering every child born in Nigeria. According to him, the digitisation of the registration system, combined with partnerships with the Primary Health Care Agency, has made it possible to reach even the most remote areas.
“Every child deserves to be counted, recognized, and documented,” Kwarra said. “With these improvements, we are ensuring no child is left out, no matter where they are born.”
He urged parents and guardians to take full advantage of the free registration service provided by the commission. He also stressed the importance of birth certificates in accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs.
To further streamline the process, the commission is set to establish over 4,000 additional registration centers across Nigeria. NPC Director-General Telson Ojogun, speaking during the event, explained that the move would make it easier for families to register their children without traveling long distances.
“With modern technology, we are creating a system where each child has a unique, irreplaceable identity,” Ojogun said. “This not only secures their future but also strengthens our ability to plan effectively as a nation.”
Ojogun expressed gratitude to the First Lady, represented at the ceremony by Nana Shettima, wife of the Vice President, for presenting the first baby of the year with a birth certificate. The symbolic act underscored the significance of the NPC’s mission to document every birth in Nigeria.
Beyond births, Ojogun also emphasized the importance of registering deaths. He encouraged citizens to report deaths to the commission, noting that an accurate population register depends on documenting both beginnings and endings.
The NPC’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve data accuracy in Nigeria. By digitizing birth registrations and expanding access through more registration centers, the commission is tackling one of the country’s long-standing challenges—providing reliable data for planning and development.
