Birth registration: UK donates digitisation equipment to NPC

The UK Government, through its Home Office International Operations (HOIO), has donated information technology (IT) equipment to enable the National Population Commission (NPC) to digitize its birth registry and transfer its existing analogue records—estimated at 40 million certificates—onto the commission’s digital platform.

The UK support will also enable the NPC to conduct a higher number of verification checks for UK Visas and Immigration, assisting in combating the trafficking of children and visa abuse.

The donation, which includes high-quality laptops, scanners, and internet connectivity devices, will be distributed across 17 NPC state offices that conduct the highest number of checks for the British High Commission.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the UK Government to support Nigeria’s efforts in improving civil registration and vital statistics systems.

Speaking at the handover ceremony in Abuja, Acting British High Commissioner Mrs. Gill Lever said, “This is the second donation of equipment, and we are grateful for the successful trial period during which, since October 2023, the NPC has conducted over 130 verification checks of Birth and Death Certificates in collaboration with the UK Visas and Immigration Verification officers based here at the British High Commission, Abuja.

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“Of these checks, one in three cases were identified as counterfeit, which helped support UK Visa decision-making and allowed the remaining genuine cases to be processed in a timely manner for Nigerian visa applicants.”

Chairman of the National Population Commission, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, said, “The UK’s commitment to seamless document verification and digitization aligns perfectly with our vision of a comprehensive, universal electronic civil registration system—one that transcends borders, empowers citizens, and fuels economic planning and good governance.

“Together, we aspire to weave a tapestry of interconnected data, where every birth, stillbirth, and death is meticulously recorded—a testament to our shared commitment to accuracy, transparency, and progress.”

The handover ceremony included senior officials from the NPC and other stakeholders.