NPC, UNICEF Partner to Expand Birth Registration in Nigeria

The National Population Commission (NPC) has joined forces with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to strengthen birth registration across Nigeria, aiming to ensure that every child has a legal identity.

The partnership was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, where officials highlighted the importance of birth registration in protecting children’s rights and improving access to essential services.

NPC Chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, explained that millions of Nigerian children remain unregistered, leaving them vulnerable to exclusion from education, healthcare, and social protection programmes. He stressed that the collaboration with UNICEF would help bridge this gap.

“Birth registration is the first legal recognition of a child. Without it, children risk being invisible to the state and denied opportunities,” Kwarra said.

UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Cristian Munduate, noted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen child protection systems. She emphasized that legal identity is crucial for safeguarding children against exploitation, trafficking, and early marriage.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria has one of the lowest birth registration rates in Africa, with rural communities most affected due to limited access to registration centres and awareness. The new partnership will focus on expanding digital registration platforms, training local officials, and raising public awareness.

Officials said the programme will also integrate mobile technology to make registration faster and more accessible, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. This approach is expected to reduce delays and improve data accuracy.

Civil society groups welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step toward achieving Nigeria’s commitments under international conventions on child rights. They urged government agencies to ensure that the programme reaches marginalized communities.

Experts say birth registration is not only a legal requirement but also a foundation for national planning. Accurate data on births helps governments allocate resources for schools, hospitals, and social services.

The NPC and UNICEF partnership is expected to run nationwide, with pilot projects already underway in selected states. Authorities have encouraged parents and guardians to take advantage of the programme to secure their children’s future.

As Nigeria continues to face challenges of child protection and social inclusion, the initiative underscores the importance of legal identity in building a safer and more equitable society.